Written by Steans Staff Wednesday, 16 March 2011 10:08
"This legislation is intended to reduce unintended pregnancies as well as sexually transmitted diseases and HIV infection in our teenage population by addressing sexual education from a comprehensive approach," Steans said. "By giving our teenagers the tools they need to make wise, informed decisions about their health, we are laying the groundwork for these teens to lead healthy adult lives." Senate Bill 1619 mandates the teaching of medical and age appropriate sexual education material that is evidence based. Abstinence education will be a large component of this instruction, instructing students that abstinence presents the only ‘assured method of avoiding unintended pregnancy, sexually transmitted disease and HIV/AIDS’. Contraception methods will also be addressed as part of the comprehensive instruction. "This legislation is not a mandate on our local school districts," Steans said. "Only those districts who currently teach sexual education as part of their curriculum will be affected by this legislation. Local districts will also be able to adapt curriculum based on the individual needs of their local communities." Parents or guardians of students may request that their children be exempt from any or all of sex education without fear of disciplinary action or academic penalties. Senate Bill 1619 will now head to the Senate floor for further consideration. 
Springfield, IL— Legislation sponsored by State Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago) passed out of the Senate Public Health Committee yesterday that will help reduce teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. Senate Bill 1619 will ensure Illinois students who receive sex education instruction are taught medically accurate information with a focus on the benefits of delaying or abstaining from sexual activity.
Senator Steans Menu
7th District
Years served: Appointed February 2008 - Present
Committee assignments: Human Services; Appropriations II; Public Health; Education (Vice-Chairperson); Environment (Vice-Chairperson); Committee of the Whole; Subcommittee on Amendments (Sub-Chairperson); Deficit Reduction; Subcomm.Medicaid &Provider Rate Ref; Subcommittee on Special Issues.
Biography: Born May 8, 1963, in Lake Forest, IL; B.A. in Urban Studies from Princeton; M.A. in Public Policy from Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government; former budget director, WI Department of Industry, Labor and Human Relations and former strategic planner, Chicago Public Schools; married (husband, Leo Smith) with three children.