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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2019 - 2020
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | February 13, 2019 12:56 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Brian Sims and Rep. Mary Jo Daley |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Sex Education and Affirmative Sexual Consent |
| Despite declines in teen pregnancy rates in recent years, teen births in the United States are still high compared to many other developed countries – there are 20.3 births per 1000 females aged 15 to 19. By comparison, there is an average of 12.7 births per 1000 females in that age range for all Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development countries, which includes a diverse range of 36 nations from Finland to Costa Rica. Further, people under the age of 25 account for about half of new cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) each year. These statistics, startling for a country of our economic status, mean we have to do more to keep our young people healthy and safe from the unintended consequences that can come from sexual activity. Comprehensive sex education needs to be part of the solution. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that “comprehensive sex education programs have been shown to reduce high-risk sexual behavior, a clear factor for sexual violence victimization and perpetration.” In addition, several studies found that comprehensive sex ed increases positive sexual behaviors in teens. That is why we are introducing legislation to require school districts to teach age-appropriate comprehensive sex education to all grade levels, including concepts such as “good touch vs. bad touch” for elementary school students and contraception methods for older students. Further, my legislation would mandate affirmative sexual consent as part of the required sexual violence awareness educational program at institutions of higher education. It is our belief that this legislation will help children identify and avoid risky sexual behaviors and negative relationships, ensuring they become healthy adults. This legislation might also help us avoid increases to healthcare costs related to teen pregnancy and STIs. Your consideration and co-sponsorship are appreciated. |
Introduced as HB1586