Take Action on Sex Education
Idaho officials recently announced that they will no longer accept federal funds to provide abstinence-until-marriage programs, based in part on the fact that there is not compelling evidence that these programs work.
Planned Parenthood supports the Idaho Department of Health's decision and encouraged officials to come up with a common sense approach when it comes to educating our youth. Those who oppose balanced, comprehensive sex education have spoken out against the Health Department's decision.
Idaho's public officials and citizens need to hear from parents and youth who have a stake in this important issue.
A comprehensive approach to sex education promotes and encourages abstinence as a healthy decision for youth. It also provides age-appropriate information on how to prevent pregnancy and reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections for older youth and encourages sexual responsibility if and when they become sexually active. The majority of Americans and parents support comprehensive sex education!
Make your opinion known; submit a letter to the editor of the Idaho Statesman or your local newspaper. To help you get started, here are a few questions you can use to frame your letter:
- Indicate why a balanced, comprehensive approach to sex education makes sense
- Support your point of view with talking points and data
- Discuss how this issue affects you or your family
- If you have attended a Planned Parenthood sex education class, talk about your experience. Let readers know how our programs support abstinence, medically accurate informaion, family communication and family values
Your letter should be brief (200 words or less). Refer to tips on letter writing and the contact information of Idaho newspapers.
Beyond writing a letter, consider more ways you can support comprehensive sex education:
• Attend a sex education class for parents and youth
• Participae in our Youth In the Know program for teens
• Encourage friends and family to join our Action Network for period updates and alerts on sex education programs
• Contact us if you are willing to talk to local officials in person or by letter.
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