State Sen. Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) is chief co-sponsor of a measure that will mandate all sexual education courses offered in Grades 6-12 in Illinois teach abstinence and contraception as viable pregnancy and venereal disease prevention methods.

“It’s never too early or inappropriate to teach good health and prevention,” Hunter said in response to her backing the highly scrutinized legislation. “You’re never too young to be empowered to take care of your well-being.”

Majority Caucus Whip Hunter is supporting House Bill 2675, an initiative that makes it obligatory that all sexual education and health classes offered in Illinois public middle and high schools provide instruction on abstinence and contraception as options for preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, emphasizing that abstinence is the only surefire and preferred prevention method.

“This legislation promotes what is right for today’s children and their health education,” Hunter added. “We must support equipping our youth with information to be as healthy and safe as possible. That’s the message we’re sending and what we’re accomplishing with this effort.”

HB 2675 passed the Senate and now, having received approval by both chambers of the General Assembly, moves to the governor for his consideration.