Jennifer Matthews: When you look at Heidi Schran and Selene Carey, you might think they're sisters.
Not only do they look alike, but they also talk about everything -- even sex.
Selene Carey: If I wanted to have sex with someone, I would ask her. I would say is this OK with you? We'd definitely talk.
Jennifer Matthews: Selene is 15 years old. Heidi is her mom.
Heidi Schran: I just want her to be able to make good choices, have lots of options.
Jennifer Matthews: Selene's future is one of the reasons why Heidi participated in a study to try a new spermicide.
Doctor Michael Thomas says current spermicides can cause irritation. This study focuses on two new gels called buffergel and C-31-G.
Dr. Michael Thomas: There's nothing like them on the market today.
Jennifer Matthews: Besides fewer side effects, another advantage is that these gels may protect against sexually transmitted diseases -- giving women a new option.
Dr. Michael Thomas: Women realize that they can't allow the male to take full responsibility, that they're going to be the ones who will suffer the consequences whether it's a pregnancy or whether it's a sexually transmitted disease.
Jennifer Matthews: Living in a college town and working at planned parenthood, Heidi understands the need for new choices in contraception.
Heidi Schran: Anything to help empower women, I think is a really great thing to be part of.
Jennifer Matthews: And she hopes it will give her daughter new options someday. This is Jennifer Matthews reporting.
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