Radical Prophylaxis

WITH ONE OF THE HIGHEST TEENAGE PREGNANCY rates in the nation, Baltimore already provides birth-control pills and condoms to its public school students. But health officials have decided that extra measures are needed. Starting in January, school clinics will begin offering Norplant, a surgically implanted contraceptive that lasts for five years.

About 500,000 women nationwide use the device, which consists of six capsules inserted under the skin on a woman's upper arm. Inserting the capsules is a simple medical procedure, and they can later be removed to restore fertility. Despite the new option, however, officials say they will continue to recommend abstinence as the best way to avoid pregnancy, and even students who receive the contraceptives will be urged to use condoms to avoid AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.