"Facts? We don't need to teach you no stinkin' FACTS!"

Here in Texas, we don't need to worry about silly things like scientific facts when we teach, like, science (I mean, really -- HOW are those even related!) Evolution? That's so weak. There is no proof! It's just a theory! We're not going to let the LIBERAL MEDIA brainwash our children with their "insufficient" theories on, like, evolution and the Big Bang and whatnot.

You see how much we value factual information in our classrooms. So it is really a surprise that we don't want no stinkin' medically-accurate information in our health classes?

So far the three bills introduced in the Texas legislature this session trying to get FACTS in sex ed classes have gone nowhere. What did these radical bills demand?

• SB 1076 / HB 1567 "would require that information about contraception and disease prevention in sexuality education classes be scientifically accurate. It would also require that sexuality education classes not discourage sexually active people from using any form of contraception or method approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for reducing the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases."
• SB 515 / HB 741 (Education Works) "would require that information taught in public school sexuality education classes be medically accurate. They would also require that schools teaching about sexuality education include information about the importance of abstinence and medically accurate information about contraception and other methods of responsible pregnancy and disease prevention."
• SB 1100 / HB 1694 "would require that sexuality information taught to students be medically accurate and that schools inform parents about what they are teaching in sexuality education classes."

(emphasis mine)

RADICAL, I know. We are "stealing children's innocence" by giving them MEDICALLY-ACCURATE FACTS!!! How much more depraved can you get!

As Planned Parenthood of North Texas put it in an email sent out last night,

PPNT alerted you a few days ago that representatives in Austin were introducing amendments to an education-related bill (SB 283) that would require information taught in sexuality education courses be medically accurate. Thank you to everyone who called or e-mailed your legislator in support of these amendments!

Unfortunately, the House bill sponsor Rep. Mark Shelton (R-Fort Worth), who is a doctor, chose not to accept these amendments. They were then withdrawn after a point of order ruled they were unrelated to the subject of the bill. The bill pertained to School Health Advisory Councils (SHACs), locally appointed councils whose function (among others) is to recommend sexuality education curricula to their school boards.

This means there is no guarantee Texas' teens will receive factual information in their sex ed classes next fall.

Currently, Texas law does not require that the health curriculum in Texas classrooms be medically accurate. You might think such a law would be unnecessary, but a recent survey of sex education curriculum in Texas schools* found that almost half of what is taught is scientifically unsound.

However, the session is not over—any day now, the Texas Legislature could consider other bills that could restrict access to health care or information. Stay tuned for future updates.

*by the Texas Freedom Network Education Fund

(emphasis theirs, links mine)

Somebody remind me again why I live in this state?

What we SHOULD be teaching in Texas public schools (and across the nation)

Please go read Marcy's post about the Mirena IUD: her reasons for getting one, reasons why IUDs should be something we talk about more and women use more often.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we all talked about these things openly, with clear, accurate information? We talk about other aspects of our bodies and health care, so why is birth control such a taboo?

And wouldn't it be great if the general public knew the facts about IUDs? And all other forms of birth control? Instead of outdated and incorrect reports or misleading information?

If you want to do something about it, check out EducationWorksTexas.org for more info and ways to get involved. Or join me at Planned Parenthood's Lobby Day, March 12th!

Here are some of the bills we'll be talking about to our congresspeople (from an EducationWorks email):

Texas Legislators Take on Sex Education

The Texas Legislature is in session! Lawmakers will be considering new legislation and the state budget until June 1, and issues concerning sex education and teen pregnancy are among the most talked-about topics.

Several bills have been filed that would improve sex education in Texas:

HB 741/SB 515 The Education Works Act would require that if Texas schools choose to teach sex education, they must present medically-accurate, age-appropriate information, including information about abstinence, contraception, effective communication, responsible decision-making, and what it really takes to be a parent.

HB 1371 Would require that Texas refuse federal funds dedicated to abstinence-only sex education.

HB 1567/SB 1076 Would require instruction on contraceptive use to be scientifically accurate when it is taught as part of a school's sexual health curriculum. It would also prohibit schools from discouraging the use of contraceptives.

HB 1694/SB 1100 The Prevention Works Act would require that if Texas schools choose to teach sex education, they must present medically-accurate information. It would also require schools to notify parents of the content of their sex education curriculum.

Thanks so much for your commitment and support! We will continue to keep you informed through these emails and on the web at EducationWorksTexas.org.