Support Comprehensive Sex Education in Mississippi Schools

Mississippi House Bill 234, a bill to create a comprehensive sex education pilot program, is heading to a vote in the House this week.  We need you to reach out to your Representative to ask that they support comprehensive sex education in Mississippi schools by voting FOR HB 234!

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Vote for H.B. 234 and support comprehensive sex ed in Mississippi!

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

Please vote for H.B. 234, a bill that will create a pilot program for comprehensive sex education in Mississippi.

I believe that comprehensive sex education is a common sense approach to reducing unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.

Mississippi is #1 in the nation in teen births as well as gonorrhea and Chlamydia infection. Prevention is the best way to reduce unintended pregnancy and provide the essential information necessary to protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Legislators who care about reducing unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections should work to increase access to comprehensive sex education for Mississippi youth.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
February 10, 2009


Background Information

Mississippi is #1 in teen births as well as gonorrhea and Chlamydia infection.  The CDC announced last year that more than three million teenage girls — at least one in four — have a sexually transmitted infection (STI).  This emphasizes the need for real, comprehensive sex education.

The Mississippi legislature is finally standing up for teen health and safety by seriously considering a comprehensive sex education pilot program.

Multiple studies, including the government's own evaluation, concluded what research and anecdotal evidence have suggested for years: abstinence-only programs don't work.  In Mississippi, if sex education is taught, current law requires that it must have an abstinence focus.

Teenagers need to know how to protect themselves against unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS.  They need accurate information to make responsible decisions.