CDC Supports Real Sex Ed

The results from the study started in 2003 are jarring: one in four American girls and young women test positive for at least one of the most common types of sexually transmitted infections (STI): human papillomavirus (HPV), chlamydia, genital herpes, and trichomoniasis. Among African-American girls, the rates are even higher—49%, or nearly half, are infected.

Women may be unaware they are infected. But the diseases, which are infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites, can produce acute symptoms and even potentially fatal ectopic pregnancy if left untreated.

But why are we seeing these dramatic and disturbing numbers in STIs? Where have we failed a generation of young people? While there are no easy answers, the public health policies of the current administration must be held to some account. Since 2000, the only sex education curriculum financed by the federal government is what is known as abstinence-only sex education, which advocates a “just say no” approach to pre-marital sex.

The publication of the CDC report has resulted in loud calls to better serve the educational needs of our young people. Newspapers from around the country consistently see the CDC report as the manifested failure of abstinence-only sex education.

• “One roadblock for teens in acquiring the information they need is the federal abstinence-only education program. Abstinence-only programs do not reduce the number of sexually transmitted infections or teen pregnancies.” – Des Moines Register (Iowa)
• “Results of the CDC study should send a message to parents and educators that we must fully inform our young people about all aspects of sex. Comprehensive sex education is needed to ensure that teens safeguard both their health and their future.” – Battle Creek Enquirer (Wisconsin)
• “By substantial margins, Floridians favor providing students with information about sexually transmitted disease prevention and contraception rather than just an abstinence-only approach favored by the Bush administration. The Legislature should hear this call and put the health of Florida’s teens ahead of a narrow, religiously grounded agenda.”
  – St. Petersburg Times (Florida)

At least locally, there is a glimmer of hope in light of this gloomy CDC report. Last year, the Washington state legislature passed the Healthy Youth Act, which ensures that if a school district teaches sex education, it must be medically accurate and include language that goes beyond abstinence.

We believe the best way to reverse the disturbing realities and trends of the CDC report is through comprehensive sex education, which starts with abstinence, relationship skills and refusal skills. But true comprehensive sex education also includes vital lessons in how the female and male body works, and how students can protect themselves from unintended pregnancies and the best ways to avoid STIs.

Planned Parenthood of Western Washington is actively promoting change since Governor Gregoire signed the Healthy Youth Act. We have held three sessions that instruct teachers from across the state how to make their sex education curricula compliant with the Healthy Youth Act, and will teach more sessions this summer.

The CDC report tells us in no uncertain terms that more must be done to encourage young people to make responsible choices regarding their reproductive health. With your continued support, we can begin reversing this trend and give this and future generations hope of lives free from sexually transmitted infections.