Pittsburgh Public Schools Consider Comprehensive Sex Education

The Pittsburgh Public School Board heard testimony last night arguing for a switch to a more comprehensive sex education program. Currently the curriculum contains an abstinence-only sex ed program. Concerned parents, like Henry Schmitt of Squirrel Hill, want the schools to move to an "Abstinence Plus" program in which abstinence is still taught as the best way to treat sex, but also recognizes alternative practices of safe sex and contraceptives. Mr. Schmitt says the current program is like teaching math without including algebra or science without chemistry, and would like to see the new program implemented. The school system has said that it would not distribute contraceptives or demonstrate their use and, if implemented, parents who disagree with the program could have their child removed from the classes. The board is set to vote on the new plan next Tuesday.