But critics of the birth control say since high school students are not responsible enough to practice safe sex regularly, any proposal would be ineffective. They point to the 165 pregnancies reported at the school from 1988-92.

"Kids don't have the life experience or the reasoning capacity to make those judgements," said Esther Splaine, a parent of a junior who became a father at Rindge and Latin.

Those who oppose the plan also say the availability of birth control pills may lead to decreased condom use and to increased transmission of AIDS and other sexual diseases.

"Condoms were billed as a way to stop AIDS," said City Councillor William H. Walsh. "Now, we hear most boys don't want to wear condoms so we'll switch to the pill. How are we going to prevent disease?"

But Ackerman denied a link between more availability of contraceptives and a decrease in condom use. She added that since the clinic is located right on campus, doctors will be able to check on their patients and help guide their behavior.

"The counseling you'd get here is much better than in a regular hospital because you build a relationship with the doctors," senior Emile Bard agreed.

But critics insisted that increased availability of birth control only encourages students further to engage in sex.

"People should not be having sex," freshman Lissetth Dongo said. "It's just plain wrong."

The best way to address the problem is "from education--like with our anti-smoking campaign," Walsh said. "We should not try to stop it by encouraging it."

Education and Prevention

Supporters of the proposal agreed that education should be the first line towards prevention. But they said that back-up plans should be provided for students who will not abstain.

"We need education, then counseling and then birth control," Bard said. "In an ideal world, abstinence would be great. But those who don't [abstain]...should be rewarded for being responsible enough to seek birth control."

English teacher Joann Walther noted that conditions in inner-city neighborhoods are important issues to consider.

"Society has changed, and the worst crime would be to prevent kids who want birth control from having it," Walther said. "Then, when they end up pregnant, we are the ones who deserve the blame."

And Ackerman said schools have a responsibility to help protect those children who lack that guidance.