The California Healthy Youth Act (CHYA), signed into law in 2015, is a state law aimed at ensuring that all students in California receive comprehensive, age-appropriate sexual health education. The law mandates that public schools provide instruction on topics such as healthy relationships, consent, sexual orientation, gender identity, and contraception, with an emphasis on inclusivity and respect for diversity. The CHYA requires that students be educated about both abstinence and safe, healthy sexual practices, and that instruction is designed to help young people make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

The law also prioritizes the provision of LGBTQ+ inclusive curricula, promoting equity and ensuring that all students—regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation—feel represented and supported in their education. By promoting healthy behaviors and attitudes around sexuality and relationships, the California Healthy Youth Act seeks to reduce rates of unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and sexual violence, while fostering a culture of consent, respect, and safety for all students.