Pro-Choice Senators Introduce Bill to Protect Washington Youth From Dangerous Abstinence-Only Sex Education Programs
Olympia, WA – On the opening day of the 2008 legislative session, seven senators introduced SB 6305, which eliminates the requirement that the state apply for federal Title V funds. Title V funding can only be used for dangerous and ineffective abstinence-only until marriage sex education programs. “I am pleased that the legislature is taking up an issue of such importance for the health and safety of our young people,” said Alison Mondi, communications director for NARAL Pro-Choice Washington. “This bill will help ensure that the 2007 Healthy Youth Act is not undermined by federal restrictions that promote inaccurate and ineffective abstinence-only programs.” The Healthy Youth Act, which goes into effect later this year, is quality assurance for sex education in public schools. The bill requires that school districts that choose to teach sex education provide medically accurate and comprehensive information. “Furthermore, a 2004 statewide survey demonstrated that 78% of Washington parents think we should be teaching ninth and tenth graders about contraception, birth control, and condoms,” Mondi added. “SB 6305 fulfills the wishes of the vast majority of Washington parents who want the information their children receive to be balanced and medically-accurate allowing them to make safe and informed decisions.” SB 6305 removes the requirement that Washington apply for Title V funding; it does not prohibit Washington from applying for funds. It is sponsored by Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles (D-36), Sen. Karen Keiser (D-33), Sen. Darlene Fairley (D-32), Sen Debbie Regala (D-27), Sen. Adam Kline (D-37), Sen. Joe McDermott (D-34), and Sen. Ed Murray (D-43). A similar bill is expected to be introduced in the House later this week. NARAL Pro-Choice Washington is the leading grassroots pro-choice advocacy organization in Washington State. NARAL Pro-Choice Washington works to protect every woman’s right to access the full range of reproductive health options, including preventing unintended pregnancy, bearing healthy children, and choosing legal abortion. NARAL Pro-Choice Washington is the state affiliate of NARAL Pro-Choice America. ###
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