"I'd like to express grave concern about public officials interfering with the provision of care... [and] limiting the doctor/patient relationship," he said
Miller also said that all students are evaluated for their ability to understand their decisions.
"We didn't force anyone into a method they're not ready to receive," she said."
School Committee member Joseph Grassi also said that the schools have always emphasized parental involvement and "this program does not take that into account."
Without requiring parental consent, the proposal undermines the bonds between parents and their children, Grassi said.
But supporters countered that many students cannot turn to their parents for such a personal decision.
"Every day in the halls... I walk by a teen parent," said high school junior Shenita Cosby. "When only a small fraction feel comfortable talking to their parents, we need to be able to go to someone nearby whom we trust.