In the realm of sexuality education, the United States has a significant challenge — the absence of universal, comprehensive curriculum. Only 38 states in the U.S. require sexuality education in public schools, and only 18 of those states require program content to be medically accurate. These are scary statistics in a country that is taking away our reproductive freedoms almost daily.
So where does the state of Utah stand in this conversation? Utah does require sexuality education in schools, and the curriculum is required to be medically accurate. Great news, right? Not completely, because our state curriculum also pushes abstinence or waiting for marriage to engage in sexual activity, both of which we know are not always realistic outcomes for all adolescents. Not all schools in Utah provide education on contraception, condom use or consent — all very important topics for adolescents to navigate as they enter the years of romantic interest.
The bottom line is that sexuality education in Utah is lacking because it is not comprehensive. It’s missing instruction on important topics. Topics that will ultimately reduce the rates of sexual activity, reduce the number of partners people have, reduce the amount of unprotected intercourse that occurs, reduce sexually transmitted infections and reduce adolescent pregnancy.
States with comprehensive sexuality education report more than a 3% reduction in teen pregnancies compared to those with abstinence-only approaches. Considering the number of adolescents in the U.S., as well as the number of adolescents that are sexually active and could become pregnant, a 3% reduction in unwanted pregnancies would prevent approximately 5,000 unwanted pregnancies per year.
Utah, unfortunately, falls into the latter category with their lack of comprehensive sexuality education. This juxtaposition between Utah’s approach and states with more comprehensive sexuality education highlights the question, “Whose responsibility is sexuality education for our youth?”
Without access to accurate information or guidance, adolescents will search for their own answers to their pressing questions. They likely will turn to the resources they do have, online sources and their peers. Both can result in misinformation leaving the adolescent vulnerable.
Our adolescents should not have to seek out the answers in a flawed system that puts them at risk. Instead, parents and caregivers should be a trusted source.
Studies have shown that adolescents whose parents or caregivers talk to them about sexuality are more likely to delay intercourse, use contraception and have fewer partners. By giving our adolescents the knowledge, empathy and agency they need to make informed decisions about their bodies and lives, parents and caregivers will play a pivotal role in shaping the future for their children.
Regardless of where you stand on abortion rights, by talking to your children you can create positive changes in their sexual health. Education is the solution. So, head to your local library or bookstore for books, stop by Planned Parenthood for resources or find a sexuality educator in your community. All can be tremendous stepping stones towards starting a conversation with your child.
Let’s not let politics dictate the fate of our youth. Instead, let’s act where it matters most — in our homes and communities. Together we can ensure that every adolescent has the tools they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives. Education is the key to empowerment and it’s within our reach to unlock a brighter future for generations to come.
(Becky Green Photography) Suzanne Rothberg is a women’s health nurse practitioner and sexuality educator with more than 15 years of experience.
Suzanne Rothberg is a women’s health nurse practitioner and sexuality educator with more than 15 years of experience. She is the face behind Reforming the Talk, an online and social media platform that aims to educate and empower individuals regarding their sexuality.
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