New Mexico lawmakers approve comprehensive sex education

The New Mexico house approved a measure Tuesday establishing state guidelines for public school health programs, including sex education programs that will be required to provide "medically accurate" information that includes instruction on contraception and HIV and sexually transmitted disease prevention. Under the legislation, the curriculum in grades 5 through 8 "shall outline and encourage discussion of the relative risks associated with sexual activity or abstinence and awareness of STDs and their prevention." But the curriculum is expanded for students in grades 9 through 12 to include information on contraception and STD prevention and treatment. The bill passed the house by a 61-2 vote. It now goes to the state senate for consideration, where it is expected to face tougher opposition from Republican lawmakers.