Texas Senate Bill SB297

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to health education curriculum and instruction in public schools.

Impact

The legislation is prompted by concerning statistics regarding teenage pregnancies in Texas, including a significant rate of repeat births among teenagers. By mandating an evidence-based approach to health education, SB297 seeks to empower students with the knowledge necessary to avoid unintended pregnancies and the associated social and economic costs. The bill's implementation is intended to foster better sexual health outcomes and address the alarming trends in teenage pregnancy within the state.

Summary

SB297 aims to amend public school health education curriculum in Texas by requiring that any course materials and instruction relating to human sexuality, sexually transmitted diseases, and HIV/AIDS be evidence-based. The bill emphasizes abstinence from sexual activity as the preferred choice of behavior for unmarried persons of school age. It outlines specific educational standards to ensure that students receive accurate and relevant information regarding sexual health and pregnancy prevention.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB297 center on the balance between promoting abstinence and providing comprehensive sexual education. While proponents argue that this approach is necessary to address the teenage pregnancy crisis, critics may contend that the exclusive focus on abstinence could limit students' understanding of broader sexual health issues. Additionally, the reliance on evidence-based materials may provoke debate regarding the sources of information that qualify under this standard, potentially affecting what is taught in Texas schools.