The Healthy Youth Act would provide a framework for schools that already teach sex education that includes:
- Comprehensive, age appropriate, and medically accurate information
- Content and material that is LGBTQIA+ inclusive
- Healthy relationships, boundaries, and consent
The Healthy Youth Act was first introduced in early 2011—ten years ago.
Young people in Massachusetts deserve to have the tools to make healthy, informed choices, to feel included in their own education, and to know what consent and a healthy relationship means.
The Healthy Youth Act has built momentum this session—but your Representative and the Speaker need to hear your support to push it over the finish line!
In 2018, a poll of Massachusetts residents showed that 92% of us agree that students should receive comprehensive sex education in high school. We need this legislation now:
- STI rates are on the rise right here in Massachusetts, and young people are disproportionately affected.
- LGBTQ youth are disproportionately impacted by STIs and sexual assault. Comprehensive sex education programs have been proven to lower reported levels of bullying for LGBTQ youth in school and recognize their health needs.
- In 2017, more than 10 percent of Massachusetts high school teenagers reported experiencing sexual violence. Sexual and domestic violence is a public health crisis that requires a public response.
We cannot delay any longer.
Please reach out to your Representative and ask them to support An Act Relative to Healthy Youth (S.2541).
