The two legislators are committed to the health and well-being of Floridians
Orlando, FL— Senator Gary Farmer (D-Fort Lauderdale) and Representative Anna V. Eskamani (D-Orlando) have filed HB 1409/SB 1936, legislation that would require public schools that directly or indirectly receive state funding to teach age-appropriate comprehensive sexual education. This curriculum would include scientifically accurate information about human development, anatomy and reproductive health, as well as information about contraception, childbirth, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV.
According to the United Health Foundation, Florida ranks 24th in teen pregnancy rates among other states; it has a 42.1% unintended pregnancy rate, compared to the national average of 30.6%. Florida leads the U.S. in the number of new HIV cases and has the nation’s third highest infection rate, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. Florida also has some of the highest rates of syphilis, including among newborns.
“Education is about equipping our students with the tools that they need to succeed. When it comes to responsible decision making, there is no more important tool than the facts. That’s why Rep. Eskamani and I have proposed a factually accurate, science-based, and age appropriate sex education program for our schools. Our schools have a societal obligation to furnish students with the truth, and with SB 1936 and HB 1409, we aim to do just that,” said Senator Farmer.
Representative Anna V. Eskamani who served as the Senior Director of Public Affairs and Communications for Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida before running for office, explained that having access to age-appropriate comprehensive sexual health education can be transformational for young people and their families, as it was for her growing up in Orange County:
“I lost my mom to cancer when I was just 13 years old so I didn’t get the chance to ask her questions about dating, healthy relationships, or reproductive health. Like so many others, my sex ed class in school relied on shame and stigma; the instructor chewed a piece of gum then asked students if they would still want it, to dissuade us from engaging in premarital sex. In search of answers, I found a Planned Parenthood health center and a method of contraception that was right for me but know that not every kid has access to non-judgemental spaces to learn and ask questions. Our bill will not only lead to more positive health outcomes, but it would also teach consent, increasing safety and reducing rates of sexual assault.”
As Representative Eskamani mentions, there are sexual and reproductive health benefits of comprehensive sex education, but this policy proposal is also a powerful tool for violence prevention. Consent, healthy relationships, bullying prevention, body image and self esteem are all core topics taught within comprehensive sexual health education.
“Sexual assault impacts 13% of college students,” added Representative Eskamani. “And the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Projects estimates nearly half of bisexual women and transgender individuals experience sexual violence in their lifetimes. We can reduce these rates dramatically through the teaching of consent.”
The legislation allows for parents to opt their students out of all or some of the added curriculum without punishment towards the students. It also strikes from Florida Statutes the requirement that, when teaching about acquired immune deficiency syndrome, that instructors “Teach abstinence from sexual activity outside of marriage as the expected standard for all school-age students while teaching the benefits of monogamous heterosexual marriage,” a decision that Representative Eskamani states is long overdue.
“One of the important aspects of an inclusive, comprehensive, and realistic sex education program is to inform while promoting healthy self-esteem. Florida has a long way to go to fully support and empower young people, especially those who are LGBTQ+. The decision last year by the Department of Education to remove critical resources from their website to prevent bullying of LGBTQ+ kids and links to important advocacy groups was offensive and misguided. Allowing parent(s) to opt-out their child from this curriculum is a norm for Florida, and our bill also allows parents to request copies of the curriculum, too,” said Senator Farmer.
Last year and for the first time ever, the United States enacted over 100 abortion restrictions and this year is expected to be even more detrimental with a 15-week abortion ban being pursued via Republican lawmakers. Representative Eskamani stresses that policies like HB 1409/SB 1936 are the most effective ways to reduce the rate of abortion.
“Abortion bans are politically motivated and dangerous. Our bill empowers young people, reduces the number of unintended pregnancies, fosters healthier relationships, reduces STI rates and trusts those who can become pregnant to make the decisions that are right for them and their bodies. It isn’t partisan to say we want our kids to grow up to be confident, safe, educated, and their authentic selves,” Representative Eskamani said.
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