Planned Parenthood Regina responds to suspension

Planned Parenthood Regina apologized Friday, but also defended itself after being suspended from making school presentations in Saskatchewan.

On Thursday, Education Minister Dustin Duncan announced the organization had been suspended from making presentations to classes after a deck of sexually explicit cards was found after a Planned Parenthood presentation at Lumsden High School.

Duncan said the suspension will remain in place until a review is completed.

“The material in question, certainly I believe as minister of education — frankly as a parent — is completely inappropriate to be in a classroom (and) has no part of being in a classroom. And so we want to make sure that that material is not going to be a part of other resources that will be provided to students,” Duncan told reporters Thursday.

In a Facebook post Friday, Planned Parenthood Regina said it works with educators before, during and after its school presentations to make sure the material is appropriate and follows the curriculum.

“As part of our education and outreach programs, we also bring along secondary materials targeted to address specific questions that youth may have about sex, sexuality and their health,” the post read. “At this visit, a resource the school did not approve ended up in the hands of a student.

“Planned Parenthood Regina apologizes for the difficult position that our Prairie Valley School Division partners have been put in as a result of this incident.”

The organization said the resources it uses — such as the cards — are created by and for 2SLGBTQIAP+ youth. It noted that providing that age group with the information contained in those resources helps lower the risk of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies and helps prevent mental health crises.

“Planned Parenthood Regina will continue to carry comprehensive sexual health information in a wide variety of formats to meet the needs of those we serve,” the post read. “We will also continue to work alongside educators to support the delivery of quality sexual health education in all communities.”

As for the suspension, the organization said it was disappointed Duncan took the actions he did without first calling Planned Parenthood to discuss the programming it offers and the steps it takes to protect youth.

“We look forward to connecting with the Minister about sexual health education, our own education programs, and the importance of full spectrum, evidence-based and engaging health education in Saskatchewan schools,” the post said.

The cards feature explicit descriptions of some sexual acts, but also include reminders about safer sex and warnings about the STI risk associated with the acts.

In a statement Thursday, the Prairie Valley School Division said Planned Parenthood is a resource recommended by the Ministry of Health. In the case in question, Planned Parenthood Regina made a presentation to a Grade 9 health class.

The division’s statement confirmed the presentation fit with the curriculum, but the cards weren’t appropriate for students.

“(That resource) was not referred to in the actual presentation but was available at a side table after the presentation. A single copy of this resource was taken by one of the students,” read the statement.

Duncan said Thursday the Ministry of Education also will review its own sex education materials to ensure they’re age-appropriate.

— With files from 980 CJME’s Lisa Schick