Abortion Providers like Planned Parenthood and Affiliates may not be able to write sex-ed curriculum, fund sex-ed curriculum or teach sex-ed curriculum in Texas Public Schools much longer.
Newly elected Texas Representative Jeff Leach (R) of Plano Texas, wrote House Bill 1057 http://tinyurl.com/bxnp86u on November 12, 2012. The bill targets abortion providers and their affiliates and would prevent them from being able to write, teach, or fund sex-ed curriculum in Texas Public Schools. The bill would give parents greater control over what their students are taught and by whom. There is an opt-in only option that would protect students from receiving this type of instruction without the explicit consent of their parents. The program would limit or restrict groups like Planned Parenthood who endorse, fund, or create sex-ed curriculum and their affiliates, like the University of Texas Prevention Research Center among others, for example..
Texas has a high teen pregnancy rate http://tinyurl.com/bjs7us, but many parents want their students to receive sex-ed instruction and the majority of them want a strong abstinence emphasis taught to their children http://tinyurl.com/ar544lx. Parents also want students to know about contraception but not maybe for the reason you think...all contraception comes with benefits and risks...and side effects. One of the main criticisms of "Comprehensive Sex Ed" courses is that the side effects are not even discussed or disclosed to the students. And many times, the efficacy rates condoms and other contraception are inflated to appear better than in reality. Consumer Reports rated condoms distributed by Planned Parenthood have the lowest efficacy ratings http://tinyurl.com/6h92tra and when condoms and contraception fail, Planned Parenthood benefits by providing an abortion to the teen - many times unbeknownst to their parents.
A comprehensive sex-ed (CSE) program typically:
• Teaches that sex is natural and healthy and how to make responsible decisions about sexuality
• Teaches that abstinence is the only 100 percent effective form of birth control
• Explains medical details of STDs and HIV
• Provides information about the health benefits and side effects of all contraceptive methods as a means to prevent pregnancy and reduce the risk of contracting STDs or HIV/AIDS
• Covers a variety of topics, such as relationships, communication skills, health, and societal expectations
• Includes factual information on abortion, sexual orientation, and sexually transmitted diseases without promoting religion
Many critics of CSE’s promote sexual activity as the norm even at a young age for children. CSE’s also seem to leave out some vital information such as the side effects of various contraception and the risks associated with abortion, sexual orientation and sexually transmitted diseases.
The controversy continues as the Sexual Risk Avoidance (SRA) fans whom include many parents, clergy and teachers battle it out as to which method is the most effective. Proponents of abstinence education are asking for school districts to step up and follow the State Law according to Texas Education Code 28.004.
An SRA typically:
• Teaches that abstaining from sexual activity has social, physiological, and health gains
• Teaches that sex outside of marriage has harmful psychological and physical consequences and that abstinence is the expected standard of sexual activity
• May discuss condoms or other birth control. If it does, it is usually with an emphasis on failure rates; however, in order to be funded federally, the program must provide medically accurate and balanced information.
• May omit topics such as abortion and sexual orientation
• Teaches communication skills so that teens can keep from being pressured into sex
• Explains the importance of attaining self-sufficiency before engaging in sexual activity
CSE advocates say that SRA’s don’t go far enough with the amount of sexual information a student should be taught.
So what's a parent to do? Many agree it is even more helpful and effective to teach students about human reproduction especially before their hormones take over! One such program, "Created by God" by Pastor James Ritchie does just that. The curriculum is for 10-13 year old children to help them navigate the many changes going on in their bodies and to recognize sex as a beautiful and intimate gift to be shared in the confines of marriage. This is a Methodist curriculum and is interactive with group activities, discussions and even a break out session for boys and girls separately. Bear Creek United Methodist Church will be offering the course to families of 'tweeners one weekend in May 17-18, 2013. Cost of the class is $20 per student. A parents meeting and more details will be forthcoming.
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