On Tuesday, school officials in Helena, Mont., approved a revised version of a health education proposal that had spurred controversy regarding its handling of sex education, the AP/WSLS reports. The proposal, which was introduced over the summer and revised in the fall, passed by a 6-3 vote.

Only a small portion of the 66-page health curriculum addresses sex education, but it has by far attracted the most debate, according to the AP/WSLS. The initial proposal drew heavy criticism from conservative and religious parents who said the sex education material was too graphic and exposed students to unnecessary information.

The revised version of the proposal emphasizes abstinence as "the only 100% effective way" to avoid pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. The revised plan also removes language instructing fifth-graders that sexual intercourse includes "vaginal, oral or anal penetration." Critics of the proposal continue to maintain that sex education should be taught at home, while supporters contend that students are capable of weighing classroom lessons against their personal beliefs.

Although the proposal received significant opposition, many parents, several board members and the board's two student members argue that students of all ages need scientifically accurate information about how to protect themselves from sexual abuse, STIs and unintended pregnancy (Gouras, AP/WSLS, 10/13). Niki Zupanic, public policy director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Montana, said she is pleased with the board's vote and noted that parents can opt to exclude their children from the lessons.

The next step is for the school district to develop an implementation plan for the curriculum, the Helena Independent Record reports (Listoe, Helena Independent Record, 10/13). School Superintendent Bruce Messinger said he will continue to seek feedback from teachers and parents during the process (AP/WSLS 10/13).

Reprinted with kind permission from nationalpartnership. You can view the entire Daily Women's Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery here. The Daily Women's Health Policy Report is a free service of the National Partnership for Women & Families.

© 2010 National Partnership for Women & Families. All rights reserved.