What is the new sex education mandate for Mississippi?

In 2011, HB 999 was passed, making sex education mandatory in the state of Mississippi. The law requires the following:

• Abstinence-only education shall remain the state standard

• Every school district must offer sex education

• Each district must teach abstinence education

• Districts must select between “abstinence-only” and “abstinence-plus” sex education policy by June 30, 2012 or a district may choose to “adopt the program developed by the Mississippi Department of Human Services and the Department of Health.”

• Any curriculum chosen by school districts must be approved by the State Department

• Parents must give consent for their children to be a part of the sex education class

• Classes may not discuss abortion as an option

• Boys and girls must be separately taught any sex-related topics.

• Condom & contraceptive demonstration is prohibited.
   

What is “abstinence only” education in the Mississippi law?

• The legislation uses the term “abstinence only” to describe what is better described as a Sexual Risk Avoidance (SRA) abstinence-centered program.

• The programs are holistic and frequently discuss all the following topics within the context of promoting abstinence:

  • Information on sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and the best way to prevent them

  • Broad coverage to contraceptive options including condoms in a medically accurate, age appropriate manner but always in the context that abstinence is the best choice.

  • Decision-making skills

  • Healthy relationship skills

  • Goal setting and planning for the future

  • Resistance skills to avoid sex

• National studies confirm that abstinence “only” education is effective. 22 independent research studies show that students fare better when they are enrolled in these classes. New research, just published in 2012 also points to a connection between abstinence education and better academic outcomes.  For more information visit www.abstinenceworks.org

• Read about the effectiveness of this MS Approved curriculum here: http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=e71e76ba0a0760415775e4352&id=30d9a8d708&e=af95549ee8

What is “abstinence plus” education in the Mississippi law?

• If a school district approves an “abstinence plus” policy, you do not know what will be taught. Under the law, “Abstinence Plus” programs are to include all the components found in an authentic abstinence-only program AND may include “other programmatic or instructional component(s) approved by the department “ This vague wording leaves the door open for explicit activities that normalize teen sexual activity.

• The Mississippi Dept of Health describes “abstinence plus” as “comprehensive” sex education and recommends the implementation of graphic textbooks that make teen sex acceptable (http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/44,0,362,550.html)

• “Comprehensive” sex education typically avoids any meaningful discussion of abstinence and would, therefore, be largely inconsistent with what is commonly known as an abstinence education program.

• Since the law does not use the usual terminology to name authentic abstinence-centered sexual risk avoidance programs, nor the usual terminology to name so-called “comprehensive” and contraceptive-centered programs, it is difficult for the concerned citizen to understand what is actually being promoted. 

• However, the Mississippi Dept. of Health describes “abstinence plus” as “comprehensive” sex education and recommends the implementation of graphic textbooks that make teen sex acceptable. (http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/44,0,362,550.html) 

• Of further concern is the fact that that anti- abstinence groups are using this legislation to infiltrate schools under the guise of teaching “abstinence” but using materials and curricula that are well known, condom-based curricula that are inappropriately explicit and a violation of MS law.

   

 
What does an Abstinence Only Policy Offer?

• A single-focused message on sexual risk avoidance

• Comprehensive instruction on the emotional, health, and social benefits of avoiding teen sexual activity

• A discussion on condoms and contraceptives; and gives medically accurate information that includes:

Data on the effectiveness and risk of condoms for reduction of pregnancy, and reduction in sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Data on the effectiveness and risk of birth control for the reduction of pregnancy

• Studies have shown that a single-focused sexual risk avoidance message:

Is the most effective approach in reducing teen sex

Is effective among high-risk teens

Does not reduce condom use among teens who choose to engage in sex

Has positive impact on academic performance

Demonstrates that youth with prior sexual experience can reduce sexual activity and reduce the number of partners

The Abstinence Only policy, with its single-focused approach on risk avoidance, is the best policy for our school district. Out teens deserve to know the truth. Only abstinence – not condoms –completely eliminates the risks associated with teen sex. No matter what precautions are taken, teens can still get pregnant, contract a STD, or experience negative emotional consequences. Any of these results can jeopardize a teen’s health and future. The Abstinence Only policy will place the focus on providing valuable life and decision-making skills that lay the foundation for personal responsibility and a successful future.

References:

The Jemmott Study of Inner City Youth, Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine 2010;164(2):152-159 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fact sheet for public health personnel: Male latex condoms and sexually transmitted diseases, www.cdc.gov/nhcstp/od/condom.pdf

The Medical Institute publication on the Condom, ISBN 1-933902-42-6, 2009 

American Journal of Health Studies: 26(4) 2011 “Do Abstinence Education Programs Influence High-School Academic Performance?   

What should concerned parents do?

• Call and meet with your district Superintendent and school board members immediately.  A directory of Superintendents can be found at the following link: http://www.superintendents.ms/directory_superintendents.php

• Urge them to adopt an “abstinence-only” sexual risk avoidance (SRA) program in the school.

• Remind them that “abstinence only” is not a “just say no” approach, but provides students all the information they need to make the healthiest decisions for their sexual health.

• Remember, with “abstinence plus” policies, the door is left open for “other components” to be added that could compromise the health of your child.

What should concerned citizens do?

•  Contact your local school principal or district Superintendent and ask them to provide “abstinence-only” sex education to students.  A directory of Superintendents can be found at the following link: http://www.superintendents.ms/directory_superintendents.php

• Remember that “abstinence only” is not a “just say no” approach, but provides students all the information they need to make the healthiest decisions for their sexual health.

• Communicate your desire to see the students of your community receive the information that gives them the best opportunity for health and life success.

What should concerned superintendents and school board members do?

The implementation of the HB 999 sex education mandate requires school districts to choose either an “abstinence-only” or “abstinence-plus” program by June 30^th 2012. In order for districts to make accurate and informed decisions about which approach is best for their students, they must know the facts. The best health alternative for the students you serve should lead to the following:

•  Adopt an “abstinence-only” sexual risk avoidance (SRA) program in the school.

• Remember that “abstinence only” is not a “just say no” approach, but provides students all the information they need to make the healthiest decisions for their sexual health.

• Don’t be misled by groups that provide inaccurate, negative information about abstinence “only” education.

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