WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) -- US Senator Tom Coburn has introduced a bill that would require parents be notified before contraceptive drugs and prescription devices are distributed to minor children by certain public health clinics. The Oklahoma Republican and practicing physician says he disagrees with the federal policy that allows children to make reproductive decisions without their parent's knowledge. He says the policy contributes to a growing problem of sexually transmitted diseases and unintended teen pregnancies and abortions by discouraging parental involvement. A companion bill was introduced in the House by Representatives by Missouri Republican Todd Akin.
