Gov. Hickenlooper Signs HB-1081, The Comprehensive Human Sexuality K-12 Education Act Now Law

For Immediate Release: Jan. 30, 2014

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DENVER – Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains celebrates the official signing of HB-1081, the Comprehensive Human Sexuality K-12 Education Act. With the Governor’s signature on Tuesday, the bill is now law.

“Planned Parenthood is thrilled to see state legislators work this session to advance policies that equip young people with the knowledge and skills they need to make healthy decisions.  Every national, state or local poll on sex education shows that parents, teens and the general public overwhelmingly support comprehensive sex education that includes information on topics such as birth control, abstinence, healthy relationships and STD prevention,” said Vicki Cowart PPRM president and CEO.

HB 1081 strengthens existing guidelines for sexuality education by ensuring that Colorado’s youth receive comprehensive sex education, age appropriate, and culturally sensitive information. The law establishes and defines core components for curriculum and ensures that students get information about abstinence as well as pregnancy and disease prevention at the age-appropriate levels. The bill also establishes a grant program for districts to receive funds for putting the new guidelines into practice.

HB-1081 advanced through the state legislature with the support of teens, young adults and parents across the state such as Meagie Maddock and her mother, Kim.   Meagie says, “I support sex-ed because my peers and I deserve better. We deserve comprehensive, science based, and inclusive education that empowers us to lead healthy sexual lives — whether we choose to have sex or not.”  Kim Maddock says, “As a women's health nurse practitioner, I have seen firsthand the consequences of abstinence-only ‘non education.’ I support sex-ed because we have to educate our youth and give them choices so they can make the decisions that are best for them.”

“We thank Rep. Crisanta Duran and Sen. Nancy Todd for their leadership in seeing this bill through its final stage,” said Cowart.

Evidence shows the best way to help American teens make responsible decisions and stay healthy is to give them comprehensive sex education. Comprehensive sex education is also supported by leading medical and public health organizations such as Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine, American Academy of Pediatrics and American Medical Association.

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