What should public schools teach our children about sex? It can be a complex question, especially when dealing with morals, social norms, pop culture, hormones and health. When students sit down for their sex education, should teachers embrace an abstinence-only policy?
In the battle between abstinence and contraception, we come down squarely on the side of science.
Surely The National Campaign is not suggesting abstinence is not a
scientifically valid way to prevent unwanted pregnancies and sexually
transmitted diseases? It is the one sure way to prevent both.
If the battle is about science, and therefore science is the answer to
all our problems, why do so many young people disregard scientific
evidence about cigarettes? Is there anyone who doesn’t know that it’s
dangerous to smoke? Yet, scores of teens continue to do so. Most people
know the scientific facts that sunscreen can help protect against skin
cancer, yet many refuse to wear protection when out in the sun. The
same could be said for people who don’t eat right, refuse to exercise,
etc. We have more access to knowledge about good health today than at
any time in history. Ignoring emotions, passion, peer pressure and
morality in this debate is sheer folly.
As noted by TEEN-AID, “virtually all sex education in public high
schools today already teach the importance of using condoms if one is
not abstinent.” Yet, as American Public Health Association
acknowledges, “the United States continues to lead the developed world
in the rate of adolescent pregnancy.” The weight of evidence does not
appear to favor comprehensive sex education.
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