Outline of the state of South Carolina
State
South Carolina
Stresses abstinence

Category
Sexual Health Education Abstinence—ES

Category
Sexual Health Education Abstinence—ES

State law stresses abstinence.

South Carolina Code of Laws 59-32-10. Definitions.

(2) “Reproductive health education” means instruction in human physiology, conception, prenatal care and development, childbirth, and postnatal care, but does not include instruction concerning sexual practices outside marriage or practices unrelated to reproduction except within the context of the risk of disease. Abstinence and the risks associated with sexual activity outside of marriage must be strongly emphasized.

(3) “Family life education” means instruction intended to:

  • (a) develop an understanding of the physical, mental, emotional, social, economic, and psychological aspects of close personal relationships and an understanding of the physiological, psychological, and cultural foundations of human development;
  • (b) provide instruction that will support the development of responsible personal values and behavior and aid in establishing a strong family life for themselves in the future and emphasize the responsibilities of marriage.
  • (c) provide instruction as to the laws of this State relating to the sexual conduct of minors, including criminal sexual conduct.

(4) "Pregnancy prevention education" means instruction intended to:

  • (a) stress the importance of abstaining from sexual activity until marriage;
  • (b) help students develop skills to enable them to resist peer pressure and abstain from sexual activity;
  • (c) explain methods of contraception and the risks and benefits of each method. Abortion must not be included as a method of birth control. Instruction explaining the methods of contraception must not be included in any education program for grades kindergarten through fifth. Contraceptive information must be given in the context of future family planning.
Policy Type
Statute