Science In the Classroom? Stop the Presses!

In Iowa, Oregon and Milwaukee the sex-education tide's-a-turning. Each of these places is on the path to offering sex education in their schools that is based on truthful information about sex. Well, the statistics don't lie and it's about time that we started paying attention to the grand failure that is abstinence-only sex ed.

In Iowa, Oregon and Milwaukee the sex-education tide's-a-turning. Each of these places is on the path to offering sex education in their schools that is based on truthful information about sex. Well, the statistics don't lie and it's about time that we started paying attention to the grand failure that is abstinence-only sex ed.

Iowa senators introduced a bill in which schools may opt to teach sexual education that is exclusively "science-based," including age-appropriate information about HPV and emergency contraception. But, because we have not yet shaken off the vestiges of abstinence-only sex ed, the schools must also teach the value of abstinence and encourage students to communicate with a parent or guardian about human sexuality. At least, that's not all the students would get. In seventh grade the students would begin to receive information on the sexually transmitted human papilloma viruses, or HPV, and the availability of a vaccine. Instructors would discuss data on the effectiveness of all federally approved contraceptive methods, including Plan B. The information would also cover rape by an acquaintance or family member, and how to recognize and reject any unwanted sexual advances. Sen. Michael Connolly of Dubuque, one of seven Democratic co-sponsors of the bill, said: "We just want to make sure it's grounded in science and not folklore or fiction."

A brilliant idea. Especially given the facts.

Iowa received more than a million dollars in federal funding in 2005 for abstinence-only-until-marriage programs. In 2005, 44 percent of female high-school students and 43 percent of male high-school students in Iowa reported having sex. These young people clearly did not get adequate or accurate information to help them make informed decisions about their bodies and relationships.

Let's hope lawmakers take note of these trends in other places as well. In Oregon and Milwaukee educators and policymakers are realizing the folly of abstinence only sex-ed. The North Clackamas School Board in Oregon approved a new sex education program that shows eighth graders how to apply condoms and fend off sexual advances, among other skills. They also approved a list of sensitive topics last week that teachers can address, including homosexuality, abortion, pornography and some sexual acts. Teachers cannot teach lessons about these subjects but, if students ask, they CAN answer their questions. Teachers answering questions, what a novel idea.

In Milwaukee, in collaboration with their local Planned Parenthood office, the health department will teach adults how to talk to kids about sex. In addition they are focusing on educating young African-American males about safer sex, a population they claim has not been adequately reached out to thus far. According to a 2006 United Way report, Milwaukee has the second-highest teen pregnancy rate of the 50 largest U.S. cities.

Another 2006 report, this one by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy claims that changes in boys' sexual behavior have contributed to the national decline in the teen-pregnancy rate. "For years, we have overlooked the importance of involving adolescent boys," said Lorraine Lathen, vice president of community education for Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin. "They should be viewed as the second half of the pregnancy prevention equation." The program, initiated by Planned Parenthood, started in late 2005. They plan on sending experienced health educators to community organizations, churches and public schools in the central city.

For more information about the (in)effectiveness of abstinence-only until marriage sex education, please see the reports and data gathered by the organizations below.