New York City schools make morning after pill available to students

CLEVELAND - Condoms in New York City public high schools have been passed out for years. But for the first time, the morning after pill will be made available to students, and it's a decision splitting opinions.

The pill can prevent pregnancy if taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex. "It works by preventing ovulation," said Toni Thayer with Preterm.

Tiarra Jennings is a mother of two, with another child on the way. The 27-year-old was only 17 when she became pregnant with her now 9-year-old son.

"It made things a lot more difficult. I was able to graduate from high school and obtain my degree," said Jennings.

The young mother said she wouldn't trade her children for the world, but thinks the New York City schools program is a good idea.

"A lot of mothers become mothers before they are supposed to. I know that if I had the chance to get that I probably would have," explained Jennings.

According to experts, teenage pregnancy nationally has been declining over the past decade.

"I think it is incredibly useful any time a woman, teenager or adult woman has access to prevent an unintended pregnancy," said Thayer.

But not everyone agrees that the program is good. "I think it's a bad idea. I think it encourages early sex," said parent Dave Rifenburgh.

"It sounds like something they do in New York City, I'd be against it," said parent Bryan Bridgett.

Parents of New York City students may bar their kids from getting pregnancy tests or contraceptives if they sign and return an opt-out statement.