Georgia 2023-2024 Regular Session

Georgia House Bill HB358

Introduced
2/13/23  
Report Pass
3/21/23  
Introduced
2/13/23  

Caption

Education; instruction on best practices for and risks associated with use of tampons; provide

Impact

By integrating teaching about the risks and practices regarding tampon usage into the sex education curriculum, HB358 aims to create greater awareness and understanding among young females about their health. This legislative move has the potential to improve the health literacy of students concerning menstrual health and could lead to a reduction in the incidence of TSS by ensuring that young women are well-informed about safe practices. Through these amendments, the bill also encourages discussions about reproductive health in the school system, thereby placing a spotlight on an often-taboo subject.

Summary

House Bill 358 establishes a framework for sex education in public schools in Georgia, specifically emphasizing the instruction of best practices and risks associated with the use of tampons. The bill mandates that local boards of education include topics on tampons as part of their sex education curriculum. It aims to inform students about not only the use of tampons but also associated health risks, notably toxic shock syndrome (TSS), an often fatal condition linked to tampon use. The legislation outlines a need to address these health concerns through education to promote safer practices among students.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding HB358, particularly regarding how sexual education is delivered in schools and the challenges of implementing a curriculum that includes open discussions on female health. Critics might argue that introducing specific health risks associated with tampon usage could instill unnecessary fear or anxiety in students. Additionally, there could be debates on the appropriateness of including discussions about tampons in school curricula, highlighting the overall cultural attitudes towards menstruation and female health education.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

GA HB1290

Quality Basic Education Act; course of study in sex education and HIV/AIDS prevention instruction is age appropriate and provides instruction on consent and intimate partner violence and abuse

GA HB177

Quality Basic Education Act; prescribed course of study in sex education and HIV prevention instruction is age appropriate; provide

GA HB513

Quality Basic Education Act; prescribed course of study in sex education and HIV prevention instruction is age appropriate; provide

GA HB822

Quality Basic Education Act; prescribed course of study in sex education and HIV prevention is age appropriate and medically accurate; provide

GA HB3120

Sex education; Parents' Bill of Rights; providing for parental opt in for child to participate in sex education; effective date; emergency.

GA HB1104

Quality Basic Education Act; address mental health risks for student athletes

GA HB5484

Relating to age appropriate instruction in health education

GA HB1185

Relative to sexual education instruction.

GA SB50

Education; local boards of education which operate a school with grades nine through 12 may provide instruction in lifeguarding and aquatic safety; provide

GA SB1691

Schools; sex education instruction

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