Measure offers 2 sex-ed options

The latest version of a bill aiming to revamp sex education in Utah allows parents to choose between two classes.

One course would be abstinence-based and teach strategies for waiting until marriage but also offer information about issues such as sexually transmitted diseases. The other class would emphasize abstinence but also offer facts including STD prevention and contraceptive options.

"This just offers up another opportunity," said Melissa Bird, executive director of Planned Parenthood Action Council, which supports the legislation. "It addresses the needs of all parents."

Rep. Lynn Hemingway, D-Salt Lake, presented his proposal to the Legislature's Health and Human Services Interim Committee on Wednesday. The committee plans to have future hearings on the bill.

Hemingway cited Utah Health Department statistics for ages 15 and 19 that showed 1,332 reported cases of chlamydia in 2005 rising to 1,805 in 2008. A total of 4,356 young women became pregnant during 2007.

"These numbers are frightening," he said. "This isn't a moral issue anymore. This is a health issue."

However, the conservative Eagle Forum opposes the bill, with Dalane England, the group's vice president of issues, calling it "inappropriate and unnecessary." Part of the problem is that teenagers mature at different times.

"It should be addressed at the right time in the right way," she said. "It should be handled in a sacred manner."

Rep. Eric Hutchings, R-Kearns, pointed out times are changing and teenagers should be educated. But abstinence should still be encouraged.

"We're in a whole new world," he said.

However, Rep. Chris Johnson, D-Salt Lake, said the state can't turn a blind eye and ignore this topic.

"Kids are going to be sexually active," she said.

Hemingway's bill is modeled after one in North Carolina. The program there is offered to grades seven through 12.

The current State Office of Education rule, in accordance with Utah law, states educators may instruct on contraception options with prior parental consent.

However, some teens, education officials and lawmakers say students are not getting adequate sex education because teachers are afraid of being accused of advocating sex. They contend educators are therefore erring on the side of caution by eliminating important information.

Hemingway's legislation aims to allow educators to instruct students on birth-control options "without fear of reprimand."

How much information is too much can be a gray area for some educators. In 2008, a Fort Herriman Middle School 30-year teacher was placed on paid leave for several days after parents complained she was extremely explicit with her instruction. Jordan School District terminated her employment.

E-mail: astewart@desnews.com