Baltimore City's U Choose program, designed to combat high teen birth and STI rates, is at the center of a debate over its methods of providing sex education to minors. In partnership with Baltimore City Public Schools and organizations like Planned Parenthood, the federally funded initiative offers a spectrum of youth-friendly reproductive services. The U Choose website, as reported by Fox Baltimore, refers minors to various clinics for services such as abortions and transgender hormone treatments.
With over $15 million in federal taxpayer dollars received since 2015 and another $7.3 million expected to be obtained from 2025 to 2028, U Choose aims to reach 10,000 children annually. The program has been highlighted to refer LGBTQ youth to hormone providers without necessarily informing their parents, a decision that aligns with the legal framework in Maryland, which mandates parental notification but not consent for abortions and consent for minors receiving transgender hormones. According to the WCBM's coverage, it's indicated that certain health services are accessible to minors without parental consent, including birth control, testing for STIs, and counseling for pregnancy options.
The program presents guidelines urging teachers to safeguard transgender students' privacy by not disclosing their gender identity to parents without the student's willingness. "Part of making youth who are transgender and gender nonconforming comfortable and safe is protecting their privacy," according to a statement detailed by Fox Baltimore from the program's 2018 recommendations. Critics, however, question the non-involvement of parents in decisions they consider critical, while supporters underscore the need for confidential and inclusive health services to address sexual health education effectively.
Program partners explained their roles and services. A spokeswoman for Baltimore City Public Schools stated that they don’t refer students to abortion or transgender clinics. The Baltimore City Health Department clarified they don’t provide abortions but offer counseling for all, regardless of gender identity.
