KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Should abortion be discussed in classrooms during sex education and family planning?

It’s a point of contention for Americans across the United States, and it’s now a concern for Michigan lawmakers.

It’s a key part of a bill overhauling sex education in the state.

House Bill 6068 was introduced by 22 Democrats in the House, who hope to pass it before the lame duck session ends in December.

It updates 20-year-old rules, removing language preventing the distribution of condoms in schools and other language preventing teachers from discussing abortion as a method of family planning.

However, it would still require teachers to encourage abstinence and discuss different sexual orientations and gender identities.

Parents who spoke with News Channel 3 on Friday agree that caregivers need to be part of the conversation.

However, some were in favor of teachers addressing certain sexual topics more directly.

“Abortion is not just a black and white issue,” said one Kalamazoo parent. “There are other things than just an unwanted pregnancy that can be classified as an abortion, so I think this is an important bill.”

“I think providing information to children at school should be part of a springboard to having a conversation with your family at home. I think there is no substitute for family discussions,” said another parent.

Although it would set a new course for sex education statewide, some elements of the legislation are already being taught in southwest Michigan.

Paw Paw Public Schools adopted a new curriculum in 2024 with similarities to the bill, including information on contraception and sexual decision-making.

The district’s curriculum director attended a news conference in support of the legislation.

Additionally, Superintendent Jeremy Davison told News Channel 3 in a statement that the decision was voted on unanimously by a panel made up of parents, medical professionals and a church pastor.

The bill is expected to go to the House Education Committee, but Rep. Brad Paquette (R – Berrien County) has some questions, particularly regarding its gender provisions.

“It is very inaccurate to say that sex can be changed by medication or surgery,” Paquette said. “It’s something I’ve talked to a lot of people around the state about, and people believe it. And it’s controversial.”

If the bill passes the Michigan Senate and signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Paquette doubts the new Republican House will attempt to repeal it.

He hopes, however, that there will be as much debate as possible in the House before that happens, especially since the issue is far from settled nationally.

“There needs to be more discussion, especially when people are very passionate about these issues, that means we need to have legitimate discourse,” Paquette said.

Michigan’s 2024 legislative session is scheduled to end Dec. 19.

Republicans will have a 58-52 majority when their representatives are sworn in on Jan. 8, ending the Democratic trio since the 2022 midterm elections.