Statement on the passage of SB 818: Keep Youth Safe and Healthy bill

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

"Thank you to the Illinois General Assembly for passing this important piece of legislation. Because of their hard work and dedication, public and charter schools will have clear guidelines and standards for providing medically-accurate and age-appropriate personal health and safety education in grades K through 5 and comprehensive sexual health education in grades 6 through 12.

By developing standards to require inclusive, evidence-based curricula that includes information about healthy relationships, gender identity and sexual orientation, Illinois schools can reduce bullying, stigmatization, harassment, violence and discrimination for all students. Not all families in Illinois look alike — and that’s why it was so crucial schools have established requirements for when they choose to teach personal health and safety and sexual health education.

The Keeping Youth Safe & Health Bill will help young people make safe choices, so the students of today become the healthy adults of tomorrow.”