April 7, 2008

Florida Revamps Sex Ed to Fight HIV Myths

Widespread misconceptions among Florida teens—including the belief that drinking a capful of bleach prevents HIV infection—have prompted lawmakers to draft a bill requiring more comprehensive sex education in the state’s schools, the Miami Herald reports (miamiherald.com, 4/1).

The bill—which the state Senate approved on April 1—would still require Florida schools to emphasize abstinence as the best way to prevent unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. However, schools would now also be required to teach students about condoms, as well as about other forms of contraception and disease prevention.

According to the Florida Department of Education, half of the state’s middle schools and a third of its high schools teach abstinence-only courses. The Herald reports that Florida has the country’s sixth-highest teen pregnancy rate.

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Greg Highfill, Modesto, CA, 2008-04-09 13:03:59
Looks like FL has said NO to Federal funding, which requires abstinence only for funding. Congratulations! Services that do accept Federal funding aren't allowed to discuss safer sex practice until the client tests positive. Let's hope the new administration changes the funding guidelines of a failed administration. The Netherlands, which is the most open and public about sex than any other country has the lowest STD & teen pregnancy rate, and people are older when loosing their virginity.

keith, usa, 2008-04-08 21:30:52
Ok florida came out into light and did it's part. But what I want to know is way did it take so long with the main home of the cdc one state over from you?

Elaine Farrell, Monticello,NY, 2008-04-08 11:43:42
Finally Florida legislators got their heads out of the sand. I lived there for 20 years. My kids had to get the info from me. They weren't getting it at school. Not all parents are educated on this topic. It is hard to talk about, but it is a must. Keep the church influence out of the public schools. It's up to the parents to instill their personal and religious values. Armed with those and facts about HIV from their teachers, the kids will be safer. 16 years in prevention education.

Frank, , 2008-04-08 11:27:57
It's about time Florida steps out of the dark ages and give its youth the tools it needs to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. Abstinence was proven not effective years ago.

Nathan Solomon, Holt, Michigan, 2008-04-08 11:21:08
The evidence is in, abstinence only education does not work to lower STD prevelence. Congradulations to FL for taking a step toward a more sane approach to sex education.

Patty Puline, AIDS Educator, Erie, PA, 2008-04-08 09:21:19
Thanks to Florida for taking the lead on this crucial issue. More than 50% of all new HIV in the US is among ages 15-24 - so we need to focus our efforts on AIDS curriculum in the schools. HIV/AIDS education is the backbone of HIV prevention. Keep up the good work - maybe Pennsylvania will get a clue! Patty Puline, 10 years into the fight - AIDS educator