State Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago) passed legislation out of the Senate today that seeks to lower teenage pregnancy rates as well as sexually transmitted diseases.  House Bill 3027 ensures Illinois students who are currently receiving sex education instruction are taught medically accurate information with a strong focus on the benefits of abstaining from sexual activity.  Abstinence is the only protection that is 100% effective against unwanted teenage pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS. 

“With this legislation, students will be able to receive comprehensive sex education that focuses on abstinence while also teaching students how to properly protect themselves from sexually transmitted diseases,” Steans said.  “Local school districts that currently do not teach sexual education instruction as part of their curriculum will not be affected by this legislation.  School districts will also have the ability to frame their curriculum based on the individual needs of the particular local community.”

House Bill 3027 will ensure students are taught age appropriate material that focuses on the benefits of abstaining from sexual activity until marriage while also teaching medically accurate contraceptive methods.  Parents or guardians of students may request for their child to be exempt from receiving such instruction without any academic or disciplinary punishment. 

“As a mother of three children, I believe it is vital that our students have necessary health protection information at their disposal to protect their current as well as future health,” Steans said.  “This legislation ensures we accomplish this goal while stressing the importance of delaying sexual activity.”    

House Bill 3027 passed the Senate today on a 30-28 vote and now heads to the Illinois House for a concurrence vote.