You’d think it would be common sense. If a child needs prescription drugs, parents must give their permission to schools, hospitals and camps. That works for aspirin, but not birth control.

According to Maine law, a physician may give out birth control prescriptions to students if that health care professional determines that the student will “suffer” if she does not get the pill. Mainers saw that scenario play out at the King Middle School in Portland in 2007.

This week parents can say “no” to this travesty of their rights.

LD 31, “An Act To Protect the Safety of Maine Children by Requiring the Express Consent of a Legal Guardian To Dispense Prescription Medication to a Minor” is getting a public hearing on March 23.

I hope that the Legislature understands that many parents want to determine health services for their children. The state should not be making such decisions.

It’s just common sense.

Debra Wagner, Lisbon Falls