A group of parents are trying to stop my school from offering sex ed because they say it violates their parental rights and their freedom of religion. They don’t like the fact that we learn about birth control in our classes. Does the school have to stop teaching us sex ed? No. Parents don’t have a constitutional right to be the only ones to teach their children about family life and sexuality. Sex ed classes that are taught from a public health view—not a religious view—are okay. Sex ed programs must allow students to “opt out” of particular classes that go against their religious beliefs. What about sex ed programs in Pennsylvania schools?The state doesn’t make Pennsylvania schools teach sex ed to students, but many school districts do have their own programs. The federal government funds some “Abstinence Only” programs in Pennsylvania through different community groups and a few public school districts. As the name suggests, the program can only teach about abstinence—it can’t talk about birth control at all. What about HIV/AIDS education in Pennsylvania?Schools in Pennsylvania must offer age-appropriate HIV/AIDS education that teaches abstinence and HIV/AIDS prevention. If this conflicts with your religious beliefs, you can be excused from class if your parents write a request to the school. What if I want to get an STD test? Do I need my parents' permission?No. You don’t need their consent to get tested or treated for sexually transmitted diseases. If you are under 18, you can get tested for free at a family planning clinic.
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