Sexual Education in Schools
By the end of 2001, 65% of all sexually transmitted diseases will be contracted by people under the age of twenty four. Teens have become one of the largest groups with STDs. One million girls become pregnant every year before they reach the age of 20. One reason why these statistics are so high: lack of sexual education campaigns. Thirty two states do not require sex education in school and many that do have limited education, teach only about HIV and AIDS, but not other STDs or ways to prevent pregnancy (Masland). The Institute of Medicine agrees that sexual education should be discussed freely in schools: Lack of open communication and information regarding sexuality and sexually transmitted diseases fosters misperceptions, and may encourage high risk behaviors...All school districts in the United States should ensure that schools provide essential STD related services, including health education. (Cothran 82) Sexual education programs in school could significantly lower teen pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. Many types of birth control are available on the market today for teens. Sex education programs could teach teenagers about the forms of birth control. Some are easy to obtain, while others may need a doc
This sort of education should be evaluated to see if withholding important sexual education information is effective. These programs are only required to report about its target groups, and not write about how the program is actually working (Cothran 80). The truth of the matter is that abstinence-only sex education works if the teenagers have not yet begun to have intercourse. In a society where 80% of males and over 75% of females have had sex by the age of twenty, these sort of programs are unrealistic (Kappelman 103). Abstinence-only education is in direct conflict with science and ignores the overwhelming evidence that other programs would be effective. [Abstinence-only programs] cannot be justified in the face of effective programs and given the fact that we face an international emergency in the AIDS epidemic. (Cothran 82) Sexual education should also be taught in schools to inform teenagers about the many myths that exist about sex. For many years, young adults believed these myths and used them as excuses for their behavior. A comprehensive sexual education program should teach about prevention ways as well as the consequences of premarital sex. The second form available through a doctor is also considered the most effective form of birth control. An oral contraceptive, better known as the Pill, is simple to use and is almost 100% effective. A prescription is needed to obtain the Pill, since a doctor must first find out what sort of oral contraceptive should be prescribed. Two types of pills exist today: combination, which include both estrogen and progesterone, and the mini-pill, which only has progesterone. Both types change the lining of the uterus to prevent a fertilized egg from implanting itself in the uterine wall. Recent studies have shown that the Pill can be used by women who are over the age of fifteen and who have started menstruating. Some can also clear up skin and make periods shorter as well as protect against breast and ovarian cancer. Women who smoke or have diabetes should not use the Pill (Balis 66). tor's appointment, which can be costly. The most common drugstore contraceptives include condoms, foams, and vaginal suppositories. Doctor obtained contraceptives include diaphragms, the Pill and IUDs. The most important fact in the Netherlands is that religion and politics don't affect sexual education at all. The church does not involve itself in any of the safe sex messages in the media. Since many political parties exist in the Netherlands, one candidate can not concentrate on sexual education only. The national health care insurance gives teenagers free contraception and a girl does not need a medical exam to use birth control pills. She simply has to attend a medical clinic, be interviewed by a health professional, put through a health screening, and she leaves the clinic with free birth control. Sexual education is nationally funded in this region and came about in the last 40 years when many people began to notice the negative effects of HIV and teen pregnancies. Educational materials were prepared to attack the negative aspects and not to prevent intercourse and sexual behavior (Cothran 85). With a new sexual freedom in the nation and changing values, it seems ridiculous to not have sexual educ
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Approximate Word count = 2202
Approximate Pages = 9 (250 words per page double spaced)
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