MS HB288

Removes requirement that public school sex education be abstinence-only or abstinence-plus instruction and replaces it with comprehensive sex education programs by the beginning of the 2017-2018 school year.

Requires comprehensive curricula to cover anatomy and physiology, growth and development, healthy relationships, prevention of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (including HIV) through abstinence and contraception, and protection from dating violence and sexual assault.

Mandates sex education programs provide medically accurate, complete, age and developmentally appropriate information and promote critical thinking, self-esteem, healthy attitudes, and community engagement.

Prohibits adoption or implementation of sex education programs that deliberately withhold health information, are medically inaccurate or scientifically ineffective, are insensitive to survivors of sexual abuse, or are inconsistent with medical and public health ethics.

Section repeals on July 1, 2021; effective date is July 1, 2017.