What Others Are Saying

Tell Me the (Whole) Truth Tool Kit

Published 09/05/02

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) www.aap.org

    Because adolescent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases is a multifaceted problem, it demands multidimensional solutions that should be tailored to the needs of individual communities. Most successful programs include multiple and varied approaches to the problem, such as abstinence promotion, contraception availability, sexuality education, school completion strategies, and job training....

    Although abstinence from sexual intercourse is the safest method to prevent STDS, HIV, and pregnancy, it is impossible to predict which adolescents will remain abstinent. Therefore, education about safer sexual practices, including latex condom use, and other barrier methods should be provided so adolescents might opt to stop or alter their sexual behavior....

    Statement by the American Academy of Pediatrics for the Hearing by the House Subcommittee on Health, House Energy and Commerce Committee “Welfare Reform: a Review of Abstinence Education and Transitional Medical Assistance,” April 23, 2002.

American Medical Association (AMA) www.ama-assn.org

    The AMA urges schools to implement real, developmentally appropriate sexuality education programs that (a) are based on rigorous, peer reviewed science; (b) show promise for delaying the onset of sexual activity and a reduction in sexual behavior that puts adolescents at risk for contracting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted diseases and for becoming pregnant; (c) ...include an integrated strategy for making condoms available to students and for providing both factual information and skill-building related to reproductive biology, sexual abstinence, sexual responsibility, contraceptives including condoms, alternatives in birth control, and other issues aimed at prevention of pregnancy and sexual transmission of diseases; (d) utilize classroom teachers and other professionals who have shown an aptitude for working with young people and who have received special training that includes addressing the needs of gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth; (e) include ample involvement of parents, health professionals, and other concerned members of the community in the development of the program; and (f) are part of an overall health education program.

    Council on Scientific Affairs, American Medical Association, Report 7 of the Council on Scientific Affairs:Sexuality Education, Abstinence, and Distribution of Condoms in Schools (Chicago: American Medical Association, 1999).

National Education Association (NEA) www.nea.org

    The Association also believes that to facilitate the realization of human potential, it is the right of every individual to live in an environment of freely available information and knowledge about sexuality and encourages affiliates and members to support appropriately established sex education programs. Such programs should include information on sexual abstinence, birth control and family planning, diversity of culture, diversity of sexual orientation, parenting skills, prenatal care, sexually transmitted diseases, incest, sexual abuse, sexual harassment, the effects of substance abuse during pregnancy, and problems associated with and resulting from pre-teen and teenage pregnancies.

    NEA 2000-2001 Resolutions: B-39. Sex Education

National School Board Association (NSBA) www.nsba.org

    Given the needs of young people and the high rates of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections including HIV among U.S. adolescents, the need for effective policies and programs that support comprehensive sexuality education are crucial. Refraining from having vaginal, anal, and oral sex is the best way to prevent transmission of HIV and other STDs. But for those who have sexual intercourse, latex condoms are highly effective when used consistently and correctly.

    “HIV/AIDS and Adolescence - The Facts,” www.nsba.org

National Parent Teachers Association (National PTA) www.pta.org

    National PTA has long advocated for teaching children and youth about sex-related topics before they reach puberty in order to decrease teen pregnancies and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases...It is our responsibility as parents and as communities to ensure that our children have the best possible information available for their health and safety.

    “National Initiative to Engage Parents in Sex Education at Home and at School: National PTA and Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation Present Talking with Kids: A Parent's Guide to Sex Education,” Press Release, May 1, 2002.

    In an age when half of all 9 through 12 grade students have had sexual intercourse, our sons and daughters need to learn how to make responsible choices.

    National PTA & The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, “Talking With Kids: A Parent's Guide to Sex Education,” May 2002.

Former U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher

    It does seem clear...that providing sexuality education in the schools is a useful mechanism to ensure that this Nation’s youth have a basic understanding of sexuality....In addition, given that one-half of adolescents in the United States are already sexually active-and at risk of unintended pregnancy and STD/HIV infection — it also seems clear that adolescents need accurate information about contraceptive methods so that they can reduce those risks.

    The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Promote Sexual Health and Responsible Sexual Behavior, July 9, 2001.