Wisconsin Senate OKs Contraceptive Teaching Requirement

Under a bill passed by the state Senate on Jan. 28, Wisconsin school districts that choose to teach sex education would have to include information critical to understanding contraception. Most districts offer some form of sex education courses between grades six and 12, according to data provided to the state Department of Public Instruction. In 2007, 94 percent taught human sexuality and 88 percent taught pregnancy prevention.

Because the Senate measure differs from the Assembly-passed version, it must be voted on again by the Assembly. The Legislature's Democrats supported the bill, which was opposed by Republicans. If approved by the governor, students in sex education classes would be taught the benefits, risks, and proper use of contraceptives and other methods to prevent unwanted pregnancy and STDs. Gov. Jim Doyle (D) has not said whether he backs the legislation.

Wisconsin requires an emphasis on abstinence until marriage in sex education classes -- one of 22 states that do so, according to the Guttmacher Institute. In comparison, it would become only the 16th to require contraceptive instruction if the bill becomes law, the institute said.

Under the measure, celibacy would still be stressed as the best behavior for unmarried youths, including for avoiding pregnancy and STDs. Parents could still view their district's curricula and opt that their child not participate in the class.

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