Sex Education in the public schools can be seen as a relatively straightforward biology lesson, albeit one that sets off more than a few nervous giggles in the back row. It can also be seen in terms of public health, as the key to preventing AIDS and teenage pregnancy. A relatively new and growing movement teaches abstinence, not as an ostrich-like, just say no policy, but as part of a program that explains sexuality in the context of a value system that emphasizes love and marriage. The relevant federal law, for example, states that the “expected standard”, is no sex before marriage.
In an effort to find common ground, Surgeon General David Satcher developed a call to action, a far-reaching report on sexual attitudes and education that was expected to recommend comprehensive sex education in every grade. That includes discussion of contraception as well as abstinence. The report is yet to be published, a victim, according to the New York Times, of politics and the change of administrations in Washington. Primarily, though, sex education remains a local concern, and what makes the difference are words in the classroom and attitudes at home.
Some on all sides says that others are endangering lives, encouraging teen pregnancy, and setting back efforts to stave off AIDS and other STD’s. Connection listeners, what should we teach our children? When? Is there a one size fits all policy appropriate for both the South Bronx and South Dakota? How do we reconcile the ideologies with the realities?
(Hosted by Neal Conan)
Guests:
Jocelyn Elders, former Surgeon General
James Wagoner, president of Advocates for Youth
Robert Rector, senior research fellow at the Heritage Foundation
Leslee Unruh, president of the National Abstinence Clearinghouse.