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MICHIGAN Abstinence Education in Michigan Generally, MI seems to be supportive of abstinence education. Across the state are lots of collaborative relationships between schools, abstinence programs, pregnancy centers, and other youth organizations. All of which believe that youth can make positive choices for themselves and deserve to hear the truth about the dangers and consequences of engaging in sex before marriage. Certainly there are challenges in MI including the media (which the vast majority of the time only showcase negative ads, reports, etc on abstinence education). Many programs have tried different strategies in terms of trying to get a more balanced perspective shown in the media, but without much success. Also, we have a strong abstinence opponent in John Dingell in the Detroit area who continues to advocate for the end of funding for abstinence education. However, we also have a strong abstinence proponent in Rep. Hoekstra. Submitted by Sara Keeler 5/2/08 Michigan Sexuality Education Law and Policy Michigan does not require schools to teach sexuality education; however, the state does require schools to provide sexually transmitted disease (STD) and HIV/AIDS education. STD/HIV education must include “the teaching of abstinence from sex as a responsible method for restriction and prevention of these diseases and as a positive lifestyle for unmarried young people.” Schools may also offer sexuality education classes, which cover family planning, human sexuality, and family life education. As with STD/HIV education, abstinence must be included as “a responsible method of preventing unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease and as a positive lifestyle for unmarried young people.” Sexuality education classes must be offered as an elective and may not be required for graduation. All sexuality education and HIV/AIDS classes must be taught by teachers qualified to teach health education. All teachers of STD/HIV education who are not licensed healthcare professionals must be trained in HIV/AIDS education by the Department of Education. School boards must establish an advisory board to review all materials and curricula. This advisory board must include parents, students, educators, clergy, and health professionals. Each school district must also appoint a sexuality education program supervisor; this person must be approved by the state. The law further states that all instruction in reproductive health “shall be supervised by a registered physician, a registered nurse, or other person certified by the state board as qualified.” Reproductive health is defined as, “the state of an individual's well-being which involves the reproductive system and its physiological, psychological, and endocronological functions.” Abortion “shall not be considered a method of family planning, nor shall abortion be taught as a method of reproductive health.” All curricula must be approved by the local school board and if any changes are made, the local school board must hold at least two public hearings on the revisions. The Michigan Board of Education has also produced a non-binding Policy on Comprehensive School Health Education. This policy calls for a “focus on behaviors that have the greatest effect on health, especially those related to…sexual behaviors that lead to HIV, sexually transmitted disease, or unintended pregnancy, emphasizing their short-term and long-term consequences.” In addition, the Michigan Board of Education has adopted the Policy to Promote Health and Prevent Disease and Pregnancy. This policy states that sexuality education programs be age, developmentally, and culturally appropriate as well as medically accurate and based on effective programming. Parents must receive notification of any sexuality education classes and be allowed to review the content of the sexuality education class. Parents or guardians may remove their children from any part of the STD/HIV instruction if it conflicts with their religious beliefs. This is referred to as an “opt-out” policy. See Michigan School Code Sections 380.1169, 380.1170, 380.1506, and 380.1507 and Michigan Public Law 165 and 166. Parents for Truth Member Organizations in Michigan Plan “A” (for Abstinence) Other Organizations Providing Abstinence Education in Michigan AAA Pregnancy Resource Center Abstinence Resource Network of MI, Inc. Crossroads Pregnancy Center Right To Life S.M.A.R.T. Teen Abstinence Project Wedgwood Christian Services Willing to Wait Abstinence Program |