1. United States
2. Ala.
3. Letter

I am writing as a constituent to respectfully oppose SB209, which would significantly restrict sex education in Alabama public K–12 schools. I am also the parent of a five-year-old son, and I care deeply about what and how my child is taught in school. Like many parents, I want instruction to be age-appropriate, factual, and focused on keeping children safe and healthy. That includes early education about body awareness, personal boundaries, and respect—topics that are not sexual in nature but are critical for child safety. SB209’s overly broad definitions and restrictions risk discouraging even this basic, protective instruction, which concerns me as a parent. While I support parental involvement in education and agree that transparency is important, SB209 goes far beyond those goals and replaces evidence-based health education with an abstinence-only mandate that has repeatedly been shown to be ineffective. Comprehensive, medically accurate sex education does not encourage early sexual activity; rather, it equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed, responsible decisions as they grow. This bill would prohibit instruction on contraception, restrict partnerships with qualified medical and public health organizations, and prevent educators from providing factual information about reproductive health. These limitations do not prevent young people from encountering sexual content—they simply ensure that students receive less accurate information, often from unreliable sources. That outcome places Alabama students at greater risk, not less. Alabama continues to face serious challenges related to teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and access to healthcare. Policies that limit honest education will not improve these outcomes. Public schools should be allowed to provide medically accurate, age-appropriate instruction guided by professional standards, while still respecting parental rights through transparency and existing opt-out provisions. I urge you to oppose SB209 and instead support policies that prioritize student health, evidence-based education, and informed parental choice without unnecessary censorship. Thank you for your time and for considering my concerns. I hope you will stand for the well-being and future of Alabama’s children.