GLOUCESTER, Mass. -- City officials in Gloucester have made a controversial decision in the wake of a pregnancy boom at Gloucester High School.

NewsCenter 5's Gail Huff reported Thursday that the school committee voted to allow the distribution of birth control to students.

Gloucester OKs Teen Birth Control At H.S.

"Well, I don't think it was a good idea, but things happen," student Siennica Service said.

She and many other students don't like the fact that contraceptives will now be distributed at Gloucester High School.

"I really don't think it's needed. If they make a bad decision, that's their problem," Service said.

Other students disagree.

"At least they're giving out condoms to everyone -- better than getting pregnant," freshman Corey Beal said.

Seven school committee members voted unanimously Wednesday night to change the school's policy of not distributing contraceptives in the school's health clinic.

"This is not going to be popular," School Committee member Gary Verga said.

School and city officials came under fire last year after 17 Gloucester students got pregnant.

Principal Joseph Sullivan has since quit his job. The new principal spared few words.

"We'll do what they tell us to do," Dr. Bill Goodwin said. "We'll carry out the wishes of the school committee."

Now with parents' consent, students will be allowed access to a range of reproductive health services, including prescription contraceptives. Parents may opt out. Soon, they will receive a new enrollment form that explains the details.