Need comprehensive sex-ed
We all want what is best for our children and their health. Regardless of political or religious affiliation, we share the desired outcomes of: reducing teen pregnancy, reducing sexually transmitted infections and increasing the age at which youth engage in sexual activity. Because the desired outcomes among interested parties are actually the same, it makes sense to use an evidence-based approach to reaching those goals.
There is a considerable body of evidence that concludes that abstinence-based approaches just don’t work. In fact, abstinence-based education actually is correlated with an increase in teenage pregnancy and birth rates and decreased condom use after becoming sexually active, according to the most recent national data. Numerous studies indicate that the most effective way to decrease teen pregnancy rates is to utilize a comprehensive approach to sexuality education, which is “medically accurate, age appropriate education that includes information about both abstinence and contraception.”
Every child deserves to receive an education consistent with best practice guidelines in order to protect their health and the health of our community. Denying our youth of this because Planned Parenthood participated in its development is a threat to the safety of us all.
Robin Pickering. Ph.D.
Spokane