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OREGON


Oregon Sexuality Education Law and Policy


Oregon does not mandate sexuality education. However, Oregon does require instruction in STDs, including HIV/AIDS, in grades sixth through twelve. Oregon does not suggest or recommend a curriculum; however, Oregon statutes state that when sexuality education courses are taught they must:


  • Be age-appropriate;
  • Enhance students' understanding of sexuality as a normal and healthy aspect of human development;
  • Include information about how responsible sexual behavior reduces the risk for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), HIV, and pregnancy;
  • Teach about abstinence, but not to the exclusion of other material and instruction on contraception and disease reduction measures;
  • Acknowledge the value of abstinence while not devaluing or ignoring those young people who have had or are having sexual intercourse;
  • Provide the latest medical information regarding the success and failure rates of all forms of contraception;
  • Validate through course material and instruction the importance of honesty with oneself and others, respect for each person's dignity and well-being, and responsibility for one's actions; and
  • Encourage family communication.

In 2002, the Oregon State Board of Education unanimously voted to revise the Oregon Administrative Rule focusing on HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B and C. The rule is now more focused on educational efforts and states:


  • Each school district shall teach an age-appropriate plan of instruction focusing on infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B and C as an integral part of health education and other subjects;
  • Instruction must occur through elementary, middle, and senior grade levels;
  • Instruction must occur on at least an annual basis and include the latest scientific information;
  • Curricula must include information about abstinence, contraception, and other disease reduction measures; and
  • Instruction must be culturally and gender sensitive.

Parents or guardians may remove their children from sexuality education and/or STD/HIV education classes. This is referred to as an “opt-out” policy.


For more information, see Oregon Statutes 336.35, 336.455, and 336.465 Oregon State Board of Education. Oregon Administrative Rules 581-022-1210 and 581-022-1440, Revised October 17th, 2002: Infectious Diseases Including Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and Hepatitis B and C.