Wisconsin could join 15 states that already have law

The Associated Press

MADISON — Wisconsin schools that decide to teach sex education would have to instruct students on the use of birth control under a bill given preliminary approval by the state Assembly on Tuesday.

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After being blocked by Republicans from taking a final vote on passage, Democrats who control the Assembly were forced to delay that action until Thursday.

Should it pass the Assembly, it must also clear the Senate and be signed by Gov. Jim Doyle before it becomes law.

Fifteen states currently require that sex education in schools include instruction on contraception, according to the Guttmacher Institute, which studies reproductive health. While Wisconsin law does not require schools to offer sex education, it does require that abstinence be stressed.

Anti-abortion groups and the Wisconsin Catholic Conference oppose requiring teaching about birth control. Wisconsin Right to Life said schools should focus on teaching abstinence as a way to prevent pregnancy and disease.

The bill was supported by Planned Parenthood, groups representing nurses and health departments, and the state teachers' union.

Under the proposal, if schools opt to teach sexual education, they would be required to address the health benefits, side effects and proper use of contraceptives and other methods to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

Parents could view the instructional materials and chose to not have their child participate in class.

Nearly all Wisconsin public schools offer at least one type of sexual education class between grades six and 12, based on data provided to the state Department of Public Instruction.