"Sexual and reproductive health and rights are universal human rights! They are an indivisible part of the broader human rights and development equation. Their particular power resides in the fact that they deal with the most intimate aspects of our identities as individuals and enable human dignity, which is dependent on control of our bodies, desires, and aspirations." ~ Babatunde Osotimehin

Here are some positives of sexual health education: 

Fostering a healthy understanding of sexuality is a crucial milestone for the well-being of children and young individuals. It is essential to provide them with age-appropriate information regarding their sexuality and its connections to the body, community, culture, society, mental well-being, and relationships with family, peers, and romantic partners. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advocates for a comprehensive approach to sexuality education, emphasizing access to evidence-based education that enables children and youth to: cultivate a secure and positive perspective on sexuality, develop healthy relationships, and make well-informed, safe, and positive choices concerning their sexuality and sexual health.

The research discovered that inclusive school-based sexuality education, emphasizing skills to refuse unwanted advances, independently contributed to preventing sexual violence. The study suggests that comprehensive pre-college sex education, which includes training in refusing unwanted sexual encounters, could be an effective strategy in preventing sexual violence at universities. The same research identifies risk factors, such as adverse childhood experiences (ACE) and pre-university unwanted sexual contact, for experiencing sexual violence. With 89% of likely voters considering sex education important in high school and 98% deeming it important overall, the study underscores the effectiveness of comprehensive sex education, contrasting it with less effective abstinence-focused programs disproportionately received by Black youth. Despite evidence supporting comprehensive sex education, federal funding for abstinence programs persists, which is viewed as a regrettable situation given the proven ineffectiveness of such programs based on both studies and testimonials.

The bottom line is simple: 

Comprehensive sexuality education, paired with affordable and accessible contraceptives, reproductive health care, and well-funded community services, significantly reduces teen pregnancy, STDs, and sexual violence. Everyone’s well-being is at stake. This highlights the urgency of fighting religious coercion, disinformation, and social stigmatization. It’s time to focus on educating minors on sex and human sexuality. While sex education wasn’t at the top of my career list, it became a place of healing and hope. While my trauma and the trauma of other survivors can’t be erased, I can find meaning in others; Prosperity brings some comfort. Comprehensive sex education, combined with scientific literacy, critical thinking, widespread implementation, and normalization, directly reduces the rate of sexual violence among adults and children.

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