Keeping the fox out of the schoolhouse
by Missouri Rep. Ed Emery
(R-126 including the counties of Barton, Dade, Jasper and Polk)
This week the House took up and passed Representative Cynthia Davis’ bill, HCS HB 1075. Davis (R-19) from O'Fallon serves on the Children and Familities Committee.
Among other things, the legislation removes Planned Parenthood from our government school classrooms as an instructor of “sex education.” Planned Parenthood is both a proponent and a provider of abortion services. As abortions increase, Planned Parenthood makes more money. Is this the special interest group to whom you want to entrust your children’s health, marriage, and future family?
Statistically, sex education has failed our families Planned Parenthood’s own survey found that the highest rate of sexual activity was among those who had comprehensive sex education as opposed to those who had less. The report notes an increase of 50% in teenage sexual activity for those who received comprehensive sex education. A Congressional study in the 80s found that comprehensive “safe sex” education resulted in a doubling of sexually active teenagers. More sexual activity means more teenage pregnancies, more abortions, and more STDs. Planned Parenthood’s failure in the classroom benefits them financially, clearly a conflict of interest.
This didn’t seem right, and we voted (along party lines - 90 for and 60 against) to pass the bill. There is some misinformation being propagated, so here are some details of the legislation. HB 1075 continues the requirement that all classes teach about all forms of contraception. However, now the classes will be designed to strengthen families and will be taught by a more neutral source. The bill requires that sex-ed course material be medically and factually accurate and stress that sexually transmitted diseases are serious health hazards of sexual activity. Students must be provided the latest medical information regarding HIV, AIDS, hepatitis, and other STDs.
A significant plus to HB 1075 is that it requires parents to “opt in” rather than “opt out” of sex education for their child. This will require parental involvement which is a plus in any child’s education. Currently schools can introduce your son or daughter to an abortion provider right in the classroom without asking you, but no longer if HB 1075 is passed by the Senate and signed by the governor. Parental involvement will produce stronger families, stronger communities, and a stronger Missouri.
HB 1075 will re-tool the way we present human sexuality to students so that the end result will be more parental involvement, better personal choices, and stronger families. This bill will make Missouri a stronger state with stronger families.
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