Bishops move to stall sex-education bill

PANAMA’S BISHOPS  have made their expected move to block or delay a  proposed  sexual education program for schools as the country struggles to  cope with over 32 recorded child and teen pregnancies  every day.

The Ministry of Health figures do not include  Social Security (CSS) and private hospital deliveries.

The Panamanian Episcopal Conference at the end of their plenary assembly on Friday, July 8,   issued a statement in which it stressed that parents have the duty and the right to be “the first, main and irreplaceable educators of their children” on sexual and moral issues.

The bishops also stressed that they share concerns with civil groups over the contents of the proposed bill awaiting second debate in the National Assembly that would create a comprehensive sexual education program for the country’s schools.

“Taking into account the questions and concerns that the project has attracted in large segments of society, we call for this initiative to be returned to first debate to listen to the proposals of the various sectors and develop the necessary consensus,” they said.

Taking into account the attendance record of deputies and the slow moving administrative process, sending the bill back may see it talked to death.

The proposal has been introduced to combat issues such as teen pregnancy and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.

The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health will jointly oversee the implementation of the program if it is approved.