WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and SportsSenate approves birth control curriculum bill

Senate approves birth control curriculum bill

MADISON (WKOW) -- Wisconsin schools that teach sex ed, would have to teach students how to use birth control, under a new bill passed by the state legislature.

It passed along party lines, supported by all Democrats and voted against by Republicans.

The new provisions would take effect for the 2010-2011 school year, requiring school districts that teach sex ed, to do so in a medically accurate, age appropriate way that includes abstinence and teaching kids about contraceptives.

Supporters of the bill say it's needed to cut down on the teenage birth rate, and the growing number of sexually transmitted diseases.

Chris Taylor of Planned Parenthood says "We know that if teens have good information, they're much more likely to make good choices. Stressing abstinence, but also teaching about contraception is really key."

The most recent stats reveal more than 6,000 babies born to teenage mothers, and more than 9,700 STD's contracted by teens.

Opponents of the bill say teaching students about protection could send the wrong message, by telling them it's okay to have sex, as long birth control is used.

About 88 percent of Wisconsin schools teach some kind of pregnancy prevention. School boards are not required to teach sex ed at all, and they still have control over curriculum, as long as it meets the requirements of the bill.

Parents, of course, have the final say. They can opt their children out of sex ed all together.

The bill now goes to Governor Doyle's desk. He is expected to sign it.

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MADISON (WKOW) -- Wisconsin schools would have to teach the proper use of birth control in sex education classes under a bill passed by Senate lawmakers Thursday.

Sex education is not required in Wisconsin schools, but for those that do provide such curriculum, birth control would be part of the instruction requirements under the proposal.

Before passing the legislation, the Senate added a requirement that students also be taught about the criminal penalties involved in having sex with a child.

The Assembly passed a nearly identical version of the bill but will have to vote once again to take into account the changes approved by the Senate. Governor Doyle has not said whether he supports the idea.

Jeff Angileri spoke with Planned Parenthood and opponents of the bill.