The controversial birth control policy at Portland’s King Middle School will be discussed on the nationally syndicated “Dr. Phil” TV show today.

The advice show, starring Dr. Phil McGraw, will air locally from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on WMTW (Channel 8). Part of the show, probably in the second half, will focus generally on the issue of providing birth control pills to middle school students, and will specifically mention King Middle School, said George Matz, news director at WMTW.

Matz said at least one parent of a King student had been interviewed for the segment on “Dr. Phil," but he did not think the whole segment would be about King Middle School.

The school made national headlines last month when the Portland School Committee approved a policy that would allow public health doctors at the school to provide birth control to sexually active students.

On WMTW’s 6 p.m. news tonight, following “Dr. Phil,” McGraw will discuss in a taped interview the issue of birth control for middle school students, Matz said. Part of the interview is devoted to advice for parents, Matz said.