Texas Democrats have been pulling out the stops the last few weeks during the abortion debate. While the arguments rage and the bills fly there have been two in the past week that aren’t abortion based bills, but are sex education bills that may have a very positive impact on teen pregnancy in Texas. State Rep. Chris Turner (D) said:
If our goal is to truly prevent unintended pregnancies and thereby reduce abortion rate we must start by providing ?sound, evidence-based [medically accurate and verified by research] education.
“Abstinence only” is the only sexl education allowed in Texas schools. Predictably, in 2008 Texas was among the highest in teen pregnancies with 85 out of 1000 among 15-19 year olds. But apparently, since 1991 the Texas?birth rate had steadily declined and is down 33% . Of course the good ole’ reps think that the number is peachy and would like to continue abstinence only education as the sex education offering. They believe that is clearly working and is in the “right direction.” Granted, Texas isn’t very concerned about public education spending in general. Funny, you’d think if the rate was down enough that there wouldn’t be such an epic debate for limiting abortions in the state.
Unfortunately, Gov. Rick Perry is in charge of which bills go up for role call for hearings. Doesn’t look like Texas will see any more upgrades in heath education or sex education in schools til 2017 when the next State Board of Education revisits Health. Senator Ellis would like to manage adding these bills onto SVI as amendments saying, “If we can find a way to make them germane we certainly are going to ask for a vote.”
It is understandable to want our children to be pristine beings of innocence, but it is ignorant to try and force it. To preach abstinence alongside sex education may seem counter-productive, but what better lesson is there in being abstinent that seeing the dangers of sex? It comes down to the fact that once again, fear — of change and the unknown — is causing harm to our children. Sex is out there, ?when curiosity is driven by hormones teens must be equipped to keep themselves safe — and sex education will provide the tools to do that — when their parents aren’t there to.
Featured Image Source:?stock.xchng
