D#12 HW#8 draft of WP#3

Should Sex Education Be Required In Schools?

The taboo topic that rules our very world. Parents are often embarrassed to have “the talk” with their kids. This fact is undeniable, you see it advertised on commercials on popular networks such as MTV; about sites you can go to for tips on how to talk to your teen about sex. People are all too often living with eyes wide closed, filling their heads with thoughts like, “yeah, but that won’t happen to me” or “not my kid”. Sex education should be required in schools, because it would decrease the spread of disease and unplanned pregnancy. It's hard to say whether or not someone who has received sex education will then use that knowledge and power to make educated decisions later in life, but it certainly wouldn't hurt. This type of education could mean decreases in unplanned pregnancies and the spread of STD's. Even if parents are teaching their kids what they feel is proper effective sex education, it is important as a young person to receive the reiterated version at school.
“My school's definition of sex education is a half semester of teaching us the process of child birth and that the only way to prevent it is to refrain from having sex. I find this a bit questionable judging by the fact that our school handbook says that comprehensive sex ed is to be implemented in my school.” (Ann, Jessica, 2008) Jessica was a senior in high school when she write a blog titled “Define Sex Education”. She expresses her thoughts on the lack of safe sex education. In her opinion schools are more focused on scare tactics to convince you not to have sex as opposed to teaching what ways you can protect yourself and practice safe sex. She brings up a very valid point, that there are very few people in high school who haven’t had sex, however there is an even smaller number of people who have received sex education. Not a good mix.
On there other hand, my own personal experience with sex education was somewhat different than Jessica’s. I was personally fortunate enough to receive sex education since the fourth grade. I personally think it was a great time, and perfect age to introduce the topic in general. The teaching was focused on personal hygiene and emphasis on anatomical changes, that would soon be happening in all of our pre-teen bodies. Parents had to sign a permission slip in order for you to be part of the class, and surprisingly many parents did not grant their student permission. Through the years this section of education stayed the same, changing only slightly in middle school when you watched the birth of a baby in science. At the time my peers and I all thought the scene was quite disturbing and long off in terms of direct relation to our lives. The funny truth is, that not more than two years later, that far fetched situation turned into a life changing reality for some my very age. I sat next to a pregnant girl in Spanish my sophomore year of high school. I thought of how hard it must have been for her. While the rest of us were thinking about the superficial, she had to think about future childcare arrangements, if she would be able to go to college, and if the father of her child would stick around to help her. There are high schools that actually have on site child care because so many of the students have babies. My senior year was no less educational when one of my very close friends contracted herpes. She just so happened to be one of those people who did not receive sex education, and sadly her parents never talked her about the risks. Now she has an incurable disease to deal with for the rest of her life, a totally preventable situation. Her ignorance, and many others is to blame for the spread of STDs’ in young people. This can mainly be contributed to the fact that I chose to take classes that included sex education in the curriculum. There was a mix of 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students in my class (Family Life/Child Development). Once the teacher broke the ice on the “sex” topic in general, you could tell that the majority of the class was embarrassed and curious at the same time. The teacher would have everyone take turns reading out of the text book aloud, which never ceased to included at least one of the following words; sex, vagina, penis, or intercourse. It was unimaginable how uncomfortable my peers were to use those terms when it was well known that the majority of the class was sexually active. How unbelievable that sexually active individuals are comfortable enough to partake in the action but not comfortable enough to discuss the topic in an educated manner. This is a serious problem that needs immediate attention. It’s no wonder unplanned pregnancy and the spread of STD’s are on the rise.
There are so many differing views based and personal opinions, experiences, and moral values. For example, “When Leslee Unruh talks to young people, she uncoils a nest of rubber vipers: Herbie Herpes, Wally Wart, Hester Hepatitis, Albert AIDS and Lucy Loss of Reputation. And don't forget poor Pregnant Peggy Sue. Unruh isn't selling souvenirs, she's using the snakes and other props to teach young people about the risks of sex before marriage. What she won't show kids, however, is how to protect themselves if they choose to ignore the lessons she and Herbie Herpes have to teach.” (Sternberg, Steve, USA Today, Sex education stirs controversy, 2002) Unruh is the founder of a taxpayer funded organization called the National Abstinence Clearing House, she believes that sex after marriage is the only message that should be taught. This whole article focuses on abstinence only education, explaining that it is the only way to stop the spread of STDs.
However there is a portion dedicate to the opposing argument; “We firmly believe that abstinence is the foundation on which every teen pregnancy prevention program should be built. Ask any parent of a teenager; that would be their preference. But if you look at the studies, the data is going to tell you that it isn't necessarily realistic.” These opposing opinions come from Catherine Camacho, who is the deputy director of family health in the California Department of Health Services. The more logical opinion is Catherine’s, who believes that abstinence, life skills, and contraception should be taught in an effort to delay teens from having sex, and practicing safe sex when they choose to do so.
“Abstinence is the only surefire way to avoid getting pregnant.” The US government has spent $1.3 billion dollars delivering that very message between 2001-2009. However, president Obama is proposing to eliminate all funding for abstinence only sex education. Instead he is proposing a $178 million dollar program aimed at preventing teen pregnancy. Congress will have to approve and being such a controversial issue it is hard to say if the bill will pass, but supports are hopeful. There are supporters who feel the program proposed should be more school-based, rather than community based, in an effort to extend the education to more individuals. This program could not come at a more pivotal time, teen birth rates are on the rise from a 14 year decline. Also, demand is increasing for assistance provided by Planned Parenthood, and ACESS. There is no better way to sum up the views of this article than this quote released from planned parenthood; “We uphold a positive, holistic vision that aims to empower people in all aspects of sexuality -- including justice and equality issues at the societal level as well as each individual’s ability to celebrate their sexuality with respect, openness and mutuality.” (Melby, Todd, aasect, 2009)
The issue is present in local government as well. “While we all support ‘abstinence only’ and don’t believe that teenagers ought to be engaging in sexual relations of that sort, the fact of the matter is, some do,” Napolitano was quoted as saying at the time. “they need to have complete information for their own health, for their own bodies.” In April, Jan Brewer, whom succeeded Napolitano as Arizona State governor , revised Napolitano’s decision to prevent the Arizona Department of Health Services from accepting federal funding for abstinence only sex education. This article goes on to tell of educators frustrations with abstinence only education not preparing young adults with reality. This is evidence of an issue here and now. (June 2009 Vol. 43, 6 ww.aasect.org)
In addition to conservative views there are the completely irrational liberal views as well. “Recently, Oprah Winfrey drew attention to the subject when her show's resident sexpert, Dr. Laura Berman -- a staunch pleasure proponent -- introduced her audience to the idea of "cradle to grave" sex education. By Grade 2, she said, kids should know the truth about where babies come from. By Grade 5, masturbation, orgasm and the mechanics of sex should be covered, and by Grade 6, kids should know about "safer-sex" options. Perhaps most controversially, Berman told the audience of aghast moms that when their daughters hit 15 or 16, they might want to consider buying them a clitoral vibrator to teach them the joys of exploring their own bodies. The rationale, she says, is that it's an opportunity to boost self-esteem: "You're teaching them about pleasuring themselves and taking the reins of their own sexuality so that they don't ever have to depend on any teenage boy to do it for them." (As outrageous a birthday gift as it may seem, some parents are listening. In recent years, Jensen has started to notice more mothers coming into Good For Her with their daughters, ages 13 to 16, for precisely this purpose.)” (George, Lianne, Maclean’s, 2009, Vol. 122 Issue 35, p50-53, 4p)
Safe-sex should be taught in schools from a young age. It would breed less curiosity, and effectively arm young people with the information necessary to practice safe-sex, know the risks, and be responsible. With this powerful knowledge how could our youth go wrong? There would without a doubt be a decrease in teen pregnancy and spread of STDs’. I am approaching this topic as one of these young people whose life has indirectly been affected by these very issues. It is vital to arm societies young men and women with the knowledge to protect themselves and make smart decisions. Making an uneducated decision in this matter could cost them their future health and well being. Also, it would be beneficial to take chance out of the scenario that parents will educate their children on sex education. I hope for a healthier future for tomorrows youth.