March 29, 2007

Sexuality Education...I have a Dream

Guest Writer: Beth Barry, MPH, CHES - TellThem! Member & Health and Physical Education Specialist
In the spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr., I have dream. I have dream that one day this state will rise up and provide comprehensive sexuality education for our students; that the discourse regarding sexuality education will be elevated from the tired debate over abstinence-only versus abstinence-plus education. I have a dream that we will go beyond the risk reduction philosophy of pregnancy and STI prevention, to a health promotion philosophy that fosters a positive view of sexuality, including the rights and responsibilities of sexually healthy individuals.
I have a dream that one day, as in all other subjects, providing comprehensive information about sexuality will be viewed as helpful, not harmful; that the goal of developing health literate citizens will include sexuality, ensuring the ability to obtain and understand sexual health information and services, and to use these in health enhancing ways. I have a dream that with the knowledge of the tremendous negative personal and societal consequences of sexual ignorance, the citizens of this state will demand comprehensive sexuality education as the ethical response to this dilemma.
And when this happens, when all young people receive high quality, comprehensive sexuality education in every South Carolina county and every South Carolina school, we will produce citizens who have accurate information about human sexuality, possess effective relationship and interpersonal skills, exercise responsibility regarding sexual relationships, and who are able to protect and promote their sexual health. I have a dream today!