Illinois county debates changing sexual education program

Sexual education is a highly debated topic, with many parents and teachers divided on the best way to keep kids safe and informed. Usually, the discussion revolves around whether the most effective methods involve teaching about contraceptive use or sticking to strictly promoting abstinence. 

Recently, The Beacon News reported that teachers in Oswego, Illinois have been debating about whether they should change the abstinence- only sex ed program that they have been using for years. This is one of the few districts that still uses this method, and they are now considering adding information about contraceptives to their curriculum.

"Teachers would address how unplanned pregnancies happen and how STDs are transmitted, then explain the mechanisms through which hormonal and barrier methods work, including information on proper use," according to the news source.

The Illinois Department of Public Health reports that since 1981 there have been over 30,000 diagnoses cases of HIV in the state. Of those cases, 53 percent of people have died. These are the sixth highest HIV rates in the entire country.

Parents and teachers will continue to work together to figure out the best way to lower these statistics.