What are the laws related to reproductive health education in schools?

In Washington, reproductive health education is regulated by the Healthy Youth Act. This act requires that all public schools provide comprehensive, medically accurate and age-appropriate sexual health education to students in grades six through twelve. The curriculum must also include information about human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The curriculum must also include information about the use of contraceptives and barrier methods, as well as discussion of the benefits of abstinence. Schools must also provide instruction regarding healthy relationships, communication, refusal skills and strategies to prevent unintended pregnancy and other sexually transmitted infections. Additionally, the curriculum must be taught in a way that is sensitive to cultural, racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds. In addition to the curriculum requirements, the Healthy Youth Act also sets out expectations for school districts to ensure a safe and supportive environment for students to learn about reproductive health. School districts must take steps to ensure that students have access to support and resources related to reproductive health, such as confidential counseling and referrals for appropriate medical care. The Healthy Youth Act also requires schools to provide an opt-out policy for parents who do not want their children to participate in the reproductive health education program. This policy must ensure that students who opt-out are not subject to ridicule or otherwise disadvantaged due to their decision.

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What are the laws related to reproductive health education in schools?

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