Utah: Sex-Ed Bill Removes Birth-Control Ban

A Utah legislator has introduced a bill that would allow state educators to teach about birth control options, "without fear of reprimand."

"I am expecting controversy," said Rep. Lynn Hemingway (D-Salt Lake City). "It is very difficult to do something like this, but if nobody tries, nothing will ever get done."

Current State Office of Education rules allow educators to instruct students about contraception, but only with prior parental consent, and stipulate that teachers should not "advocate or encourage the use of contraceptive methods or devices." The bill proposed by Hemingway, HB 189, eliminates the second restriction. Although Hemingway's bill advocates teaching abstinence as the only certain way not to become pregnant or acquire an STD, he said birth control options should be explained.

"There are things you can use if you are going to be sexually active," including the use of condoms, Hemingway said.

Hemingway is expecting resistance to his legislation. Both state Parent Teacher Association leaders and the Utah Eagle Forum, a conservative pro-family organization, are evaluating the measure and preparing statements on the bill.

Planned Parenthood of Utah's Action Council backs the proposed measure. "Research shows the majority of Utah's high school students become sexually active before graduation, but they aren't making healthy and responsible decisions," said Action Council Executive Director Melissa Bird. "This is why we're seeing an increase in sexually transmitted diseases in young people and an increase in teenage pregnancies." Bird also noted that the bill does not eliminate parental consent, and parents may opt out of all or some of the proposed program.

Hemingway said he recently met with local high school and university students to discuss sex education. "They think this is necessary," he said. "Most of them say they didn't have any real sex education in high school."

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