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Do you remember how you first learned about sex?
Ideally, it wasn’t one defining moment. But for some of us, it was that one book that everyone passed around during 7th grade study hall. For others, it was through accidental (or not) exploration on the internet. Regardless, some of us had access to all the facts – medically accurate, age appropriate facts – and some of us didn’t.
The same is true today. In Colorado, comprehensive sex ed is required in school districts that teach sex ed, but health education is still optional. According to the 2009 Healthy Kids Colorado Survey, one in four students in Colorado will have initiated sexual activity by 9th grade. Unintended teen pregnancy and health complications caused by sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, are among the top reasons why young people don’t finish high school.
According to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention science-based, medically accurate, age appropriate, culturally relevant, and comprehensive sexuality education programs have been proven to help youth delay the onset of sexual activity, reduce the frequency of sexual activity, reduce number of sexual partners, and increase condom and contraceptive use.
Take action today to ensure that your legislators are supporting efforts to increase access to comprehensive sexuality education and ensuring that our Colorado youth have the information and resources they need to make informed and responsible decisions and lead healthy lives by clicking here.
