Tell Houston Independent School District Not to Block Pro-Choice Websites

We, the undersigned, are concerned that your school system may be blocking students' access to certain health websites. The Houston Press reports that Houston Independent School District reports that the school system may be blocking students' access to pro-choice websites such as ppfa.org and Planned Parenthood while allowing access to pro-life counterparts like Pro-Life Across America.

When one high school student attempted to access Planned Parenthood's website, the school's computer returned the message, "The site you are attempting to visit is blocked because it belongs to the following category: Abortion, Health." When she tried to access other pro-life websites, they were blocked for the same reason. Pro-life websites, however, were accessible, despite their falling under the category of abortion.

Pro-choice websites are important resources for teens, and provide valuable information about STD prevention and contraception use. It is unrealistic to believe that teens aren't sexually active, and therefore don't need this information. Information on websites such as Planned Parenthood lets students make informed decisions that could save their lives and prevent unwanted pregnancy in the first place. We respectfully urge you to allow students to access pro-choice resources online. Thank you for taking the time to read and consider our petition.