Planned Parenthood Illinois Action Thanks Gov. Pritzker for signing comprehensive, age-appropriate sex ed bill

Statement attributed to Jennifer Welch, President and CEO, Planned Parenthood Illinois Action:

Thank you Governor Prtizker for signing the Keeping Youth Safe & Healthy Bill into law. This important legislation ensures our public and charter school students will receive age-appropriate and medically accurate personal health and safety education in grades K through 5, as well as comprehensive sexual health education in grades 6 through 12.

We were proud to support this legislation because it provides young people with essential information about the full spectrum of health and wellness. Using inclusive, evidence-based curricula helps Illinois’ young people feel empowered to make safe and healthy decisions that can last a lifetime.

Thanks to the Keeping Youth Safe and Healthy bill, Illinois schools will now be equipped to take an active role in preventing bullying, harassment, abuse, sexual violence, and interpersonal violence, which helps ensure all Illinois students can thrive. And students will learn about healthy relationships and the experiences and needs of all students, including the LGBTQ+ community and those with disabilities, which promotes acceptance and understanding.

Because not all families in Illinois look alike, the Keeping Youth Safe & Healthy Bill provides schools with guidelines for teaching personal health and safety and sexual health. We are proud this legislation helps pave the way for a more equitable and just Illinois in the future.