Pittsburgh Schools Remove 'Abstinence-Only' Sex Ed

The Pittsburgh Public Schools board has approved a "comprehensive" sex education program.

Board member Mark Brentley Sr. was the only one of nine board members opposing the change from an "abstinence-only" policy Tuesday night, saying officials didn't get enough input from clergy and the public before making the change.

Under the new policy, students will be taught about contraceptives, but they will not be demonstrated or distributed. Students will also learn about alternative lifestyles, but parents will have the option of removing their children from sex education.

Officials said the district will still stress that abstinence is the only sure way to avoid pregnancy and some diseases.

Officials said the change is needed because the city's teen pregnancy rate is higher than the regional average.