MS HB224

Creates the "Mississippi Comprehensive Communities of Color Teen Pregnancy Prevention Act" to address disproportionate rates of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections in communities of color.

Requires the Department of Human Services to develop programs promoting family communication about pregnancy prevention, educating communities about consequences of unprotected sexual activity, encouraging sexual postponement, and providing medically accurate contraceptive information.

Requires the State Department of Health to develop programs including counseling to prevent unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, social support services for pregnant teens, and training for school-based support workers.

Amends Section 41-79-5 to add school nurse responsibilities for carrying out prevention strategies and specifies that school nurses must include abstinence training in reproductive health education, cannot provide abortion counseling or referrals, and cannot dispense birth control pills or contraceptive devices.

Takes effect July 1, 2012.