In California, a service known as the Condom Access Project allows pre-teens and teens between the ages of 12 and 19 to order 10 condoms, lube and health brochures online each month—free of charge. The goal is to encourage safer sex among teens in the state. Out of all age groups in California, teens have the highest rates of infection for both gonorrhea and chlamydia. The Condom Access Project was developed to hopefully bring down the rates of infection.

The project’s goal seems practical. Why shouldn’t teens be able to easily acquire condoms and health information without a potentially awkward encounter with adults at clinics or drug stores? Still, the idea is quite controversial. Adults who oppose the program argue that this service makes it easier for younger teens to have sex without their parents knowing. Also the question of whether or not a couple is ready to have sex comes up: If they aren’t comfortable going out to buy condoms or discussing their decision to become sexually active with a trusted adult are they really ready to start having sex?