Sponsored by: Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-San Antonio)
Summary: Current law requires that sex education classes in Texas schools emphasize abstinence-only-until-marriage and include information about condom and contraception use only to stress failure rates. This bill—while still requiring schools to discuss abstinence—would have also required that students be provided with information about testing and prevention for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and medically accurate information about the health benefits of contraception and condom use. Additionally, the bill would have included strategies to promote effective communication between adolescents and their parents about human sexuality, address the legal rights of survivors of sexual assault, and address the economic and emotional requirements of fatherhood.
Additionally, the bill would have included strategies to promote effective communication between adolescents and their parents about human sexuality, address the legal rights of survivors of sexual assault, and address the economic and emotional requirements of fatherhood.
PPNT Position: Supported—Most Texas students do not currently learn about the benefits of using condoms and contraception if they become sexually active, putting them at increased risk of STIs and unintended pregnancies. Instead, most Texas schools teach only abstinence-until-marriage. Some studies have shown that abstinence-only programs do not delay sexual activity in teens. However, even when these programs do delay sexual activity, studies have shown that these teens are less likely than those receiving comprehensive sex education to use condoms and contraceptives to protect themselves when they do have sex. Giving young people the information they need to protect themselves when, in the future, they do become sexually active is an important part of reducing rates of STIs and unintended pregnancy.
Latest Action: 02/05/2007 - Assigned to the House Public Education committee.
Recorded Votes: None.
