As Planned Parenthood prepares to open as many as 50 centers in Los Angeles public high schools, critics are warning that the organization will not help teens receive the formation they need for practicing virtue and building successful relationships. Kathleen Domingo, senior director at the Archdiocese of Los Angeles’ Office of Life, Justice, and Peace, is not confident the health centers will encourage students who are seeking alternatives to sexual activity, contraception, and abortion.
If young women say they are not prepared for current dating and hookup culture and want to step back, Domingo told CNA Dec. 12, “those choices are not generally supported by Planned Parenthood in their materials and resources.”
She had her own advice for high school students: “Seek out those people in your life who are living out the kind of life you want to live and find out how they are living a life of virtue.” If a student feels that the school environment is pushing them in a particular direction, he or she should “follow your conscience, and follow what you know God is asking you to do.”
“We will be there to provide you support for those good choices,” Domingo said, encouraging youth to seek out positive resources in the parish, youth ministry, and archdiocese. CNA
