Pittsburgh Public Schools updated their sex education policy to no longer teach that abstinence is an “expected norm.”

The school board unanimously approved the change this week.

“Ensuring that young people have the medically and scientifically accurate and developmentally appropriate information to help them make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health throughout their lives is critical. , is in the best interest of the public,” the policy said.

While the policy acknowledges that the “primary responsibility” for sexual health education rests with parents and guardians, it also emphasizes the school district’s “commitment to providing quality, comprehensive sex education.” increase.

This policy applies to all students starting in kindergarten.

An update approved by the school board this week removes from policy language stating that sex education classes should emphasize sexual abstinence as an “expected norm.”

The policy still teaches that abstinence is “the only 100% effective protection against unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and sexually transmitted HIV.”

According to the updated measures, the school’s sex education curriculum will use the National Sex Education Standards.

New language added to the policy specifies that materials must be “complete, medically accurate, culturally relevant, anti-racist, comprehensive, and developmentally appropriate information.” increase.

Sexuality education programs used to have six main categories. personal skills; sexual behavior; sexual health; society; and culture.

They have been replaced by seven known categories: consent and healthy relationships. anatomy and physiology; adolescence and adolescent sexual development; gender identity and expression; sexual orientation and identity;

Parents may complete an opt-out form to exclude their child from certain topic areas of the sex education curriculum. Those students will be offered alternative assignments.

A district spokesperson was not available to comment on the updated policy.