Are Lawmakers Easing Restrictions on Sex Education in MS Schools?

More teenagers have babies in Mississippi than anywhere else in the nation. But as MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports some lawmakers are considering a bill that would let public schools teach students exactly where those babies come from.

When Gussie Brown of Brandon was in school they didn't teach how babies are made.

“Back then they were teaching more you know about diseases and std’s and things of that nature.”

Now that lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow public schools to teach students where babies come from. Brown sees it as a learning opportunity for her two teenage daughters.

“Certain things they need to be talked to and told about. And maybe they don’t understand or know how to ask the parents. So a stranger or someone they feel more comfortable with they may be able to get more information from.”

Even though the bill specifies that boys and girls be separated during the discussions about pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and other issues, DeMarcus Wright of Jackson doesn't believe talk about contraception is appropriate for his 12 year old daughter.

“Because that gives the sign that it’s ok to have sex as long as you utilize these products. And I don’t want her to think that it’s ok to have sex at 12 years old.”

Lawmakers are still working out the details as to what will be taught to what age group. But senator Terry Burton of Newton hopes it includes the entire family.

"You know two or three generations of teenage pregnancies are in many families and it shouldn’t be that way. There’s gotta be an educational process not only for the children but maybe we could put together a pilot program for the parents that would educate their children.”

Mississippi schools now have an abstinence only approach to discussing sex. For MPB News, I'm Lawayne Childrey.