Sex may be worth waiting a little longer for.

House Bill 2095, sponsored by Rep. Stanley Cox (R-Sedalia) would raise the age of sexual consent to 18, currently it is 14.

Cox said the bill aims to answer both the problems of sexually transmitted diseases and emotional damage caused by teen intercourse.

“Almost on a daily basis I see the effects the sexual revolution has had,” said Stephanie Ruback, registered nurse, “Statistics show one in four in the U.S. has a sexually transmitted disease.”

Specific elements of the bill include knowingly exposing the genitals to another child at least fourteen but less than eighteen.

All acts of sexual misconduct involving a child would be punishable by a fine not exceeding $200.

While sexually transmitted diseases where one of the primary concerns that inspired the bill, the emotional state of children and their readiness for sex also piqued interest with constituents.

“Sex is a beautiful thing at the appropriate times and ages.” said Kate Holloway, “My husband and I both want our children to enjoy the journey of their childhood. Our laws should support those efforts. We recently welcomed our first grandchild into our family. We can’t change our past.”

Holloway, who was joined by two of her daughters, told her story of giving up her virginity as a teen and the “shame and guilt” she has felt since then.

“Since then I have been blessed with four more wonderful children and a loving husband,” she said, “I am not the norm. I am the exception,”

Holloway’s children also shared stories of life in high school and the way students manage sex today, (both personally and among their friends.)

“I had a freshman friend who had sex with a senior, she had to drop an honors class because she was afraid she was pregnant, and the boy dumped her,” said Kaley Holloway, high school sophomore, “When she’s crying just because of the pain of going to the restroom, it takes its toll. You try and do everything in your power to help her. She ended up contracting genital herpes, and that’s something she has to live with.”

Life Choices, a local clinic specializing in sexual health, employs workers like Melissa Winston who testified with stories of students who had to dramatically change their plans in life because of unplanned pregnancies or STDs.

“There are so many dramatic, tear-jerking stories, like Kevin.” she said, “Last time I saw him he was working at Shoe Carnival, I asked him how his baby was and he didn’t know. Right now he’s trying to finish high school to get a good enough job just to make enough money so he can fight for custody of his child.”

Cox said though he knows the bill is a small step he hopes harsher penalties for sexual misconduct involving children will make students reconsider for their own health, and that of others.

“We all know this bill is not going to stop teen sex, but it raises the bar for teenagers in Missouri,” Winston said.