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
A foam acts as both a physical and chemical barrier and contains spermicide. These programs are only required to report about its target groups, and not write about how the program is actually working (Cothran 80). It consists of a small metal or plastic device placed into a woman's uterus by the doctor and prevents the egg and sperm from meeting. The first form of birth control available through a doctor is a diaphragm. The second form available through a doctor is also considered the most effective form of birth control. Still, abstinence-only programs have shown to not work and many teenagers are left in the dark about vital information about protection (Cothran 70). The Center for Disease Control has shown that that the decrease in AIDS has been attributed to less teens having sex, although it has not been shown whether these teens made the decision of abstinence through regular sexual education programs or through abstinence-only programs. The last contraceptive available from a doctor is an Intrauterine Device, or IUD. The claim that everyone was doing it misled these patients. This type of education does not allow discussion of disease or pregnancy prevention and tells young people that sexual activity outside of marriage is harmful. Groups such as Planned Parenthood have encouraged sexual experimentation that may not be medically safe. The "Everyone Has Sex These Days, What's Wrong with You" myth has been used as an excuse for promiscuous sexual relations. Condoms are 95% effective; 100% if combined with contraceptive foam. Viruses that are drug-resistant have been showing up and sometimes abstinence might be the only way to prevent them. With a new sexual freedom in the nation and changing values, it seems ridiculous to not have sexual education in schools.
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Acceptance Essays
