Louisiana House Bill HR69

Louisiana 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/6/15
• Refer: 5/7/15
• Report Pass: 5/20/15
• Passed: 6/10/15

Caption

Directs the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Department of Health and Hospitals to report on the effectiveness of abstinence-emphasis sex education

Impact

If enacted, HR69 would require a comprehensive report that includes data on sexually transmitted diseases and teen pregnancies for each parish in Louisiana over the last 20 years. This data will help gauge the effectiveness of the existing abstinence-only curriculum, which has been mandated in schools. By calling for a review, the resolution seeks to inform legislative discussions and potential policy amendments related to sex education and public health strategies aimed at youth.

Summary

House Resolution 69 (HR69) directs the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Department of Health and Hospitals in Louisiana to study and evaluate the effectiveness of the abstinence-emphasis sex education curriculum currently used in public schools. It aims to assess its impact on reducing the spread of sexually transmitted diseases and the incidence of teen pregnancies statewide. Given Louisiana's high rates of both issues, the resolution underscores the need for thorough evaluation of educational practices that influence public health among the youth.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR69 appears to be supportive within certain quarters, especially among those advocating for improved public health education. However, the abstinence-only curriculum has faced criticism from various health advocates who argue that it may not provide a comprehensive understanding of sexual health. Thus, discussions regarding HR69 could generate a range of views on how best to educate youth about sexual health and safety, balancing the ideals of personal responsibility with the realities of public health.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HR69 involve the effectiveness of the abstinence-only approach itself. Critics often cite research indicating that comprehensive sex education programs, which include information about contraception and sexually transmitted infection prevention, may lead to better health outcomes than abstinence-only curricula. The resolution's call for a detailed assessment may reignite debates over educational content and public funding, particularly in a state with a complex relationship between health education norms and legislative directives.