BILL REQ. #:  S-3897.2 

Read first time 01/20/2004.   Referred to Committee on Health & Long-Term Care.

     AN ACT Relating to health information for youth; adding a new section to chapter 70.24 RCW; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   (1) The legislature finds that it is a public health priority for young people to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for healthy development. Sexually transmitted diseases, HIV infection, and unintended pregnancy do not contribute to the healthy development of young people in Washington state. Yet, rates of teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and HIV infection among young people in this state are unacceptably high.
     (2) Over twelve thousand girls nineteen years of age and younger become pregnant in Washington every year. Girls fifteen through nineteen years of age have the highest chlamydia and the second-highest gonorrhea infection rates among all age groups in this state. Levels of chlamydia infection are likely equally high among Washington's teen boys, who experience a disparity in screening. It is also estimated that one-half of all new HIV infections in this country now occur among people aged twenty-five and younger.
     (3) Washington's adolescent health issues, like teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, must be addressed with comprehensive prevention efforts. The legislature intends to enhance the healthy development of young people in Washington state by taking opportunities to provide them with information needed to help reduce rates of teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and HIV infection.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 70.24 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) Students receiving health instruction paid for in whole or in part with public funds may receive health information and disease prevention instruction.
     (2) "Health information and disease prevention instruction" means medically and scientifically accurate curricula and information related to sexual activity that:
     (a) Is age appropriate;
     (b) Encourages communication with parents and other trusted adults;
     (c) Is respectful of the needs, attitudes, and perspectives of individuals and communities;
     (d) Encourages young people to develop and apply health-promoting behaviors including disease prevention and detection and accessing accurate health information;
     (e) Teaches that abstinence from sexual activity is the only sure way to avoid pregnancy and reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases;
     (f) Stresses the value of abstinence while addressing the health needs of youth who are sexually active;
     (g) Provides information about the health benefits and side effects of contraceptives and barrier methods as a means to prevent pregnancy and reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS;
     (h) Provides information about the stages, patterns, and responsibilities associated with growth and development;
     (i) Promotes the development of interpersonal skills including a sense of dignity and self-worth and the communication, decision-making, assertiveness, and refusal skills necessary to reduce health risks and choose healthy behaviors; and
     (j) Helps young people develop and maintain healthy, respectful, and meaningful relationships.
     (3) The department shall work in consultation with the office of the superintendent of public instruction to develop guidelines for health information and disease prevention instruction under this section.