Abraham 1

Kadalena Abraham
Professor Ayala
SED464
November 18, 2014
Hot Topic Summary: Sex Education in the United States
History has proved to the human population that procreating is inevitable and it feels
good to. For most teenagers in the United States, sexual intercourse is not a new subject. These
adolescents and even middle childhood students gain knowledge of their information from their
peers, social media, and even their families. Although this is a controversial idea in the United
States, teen pregnancy is prominent and these adolescents need to understand the risks and
concerns that are inherent in having sex, or abstaining until marriage.
First, sexual education in the United States has definitely created a name for itself and
students have brought up many new points in the last few decades about the importance of sexual
education. Sex is a natural idea and contraceptives allow the users to have sexual freedom during
intercourse (Clark). Should students learn about contraceptives and comprehensive measures, or
should they learn about abstaining and keeping faithful to their own bodies? As students develop
physically, they become aware of their bodies sparking curiosity. In states such as Arizona,
Tennessee, and Texas, abstinence only is taught. Ironically enough, these states have the highest
teen pregnancy rates in the nation. Dr. Carol Clark explains that contraceptives, when used
correctly, are beneficial to the user and will provide the user with comfort and security (Clark).

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Although the United States has been attempting to educate adolescents on sexual
intercourse and abstaining, it has been a fight for the rights of the students. One question that
usually comes up is, Is sexual education in the Schools best interest, or should the educators and
institutions keep sexual education a part of the families job? May educators in states will low
pregnancy rates are making sure that their students are aware of the risks and dangers of
pregnancy.
The Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States conducted a study,
and discovered that the United States has one of the highest teen pregnancy rates in the
developed world (11 Facts About Sex Education in the U.S.). These facts also explained that
each year in the U.S., more than 750,000 women aged 1519 become pregnant, with more than
80 percent of these pregnancies unintended (11 Facts About Sex Education in the U.S.). States
who have been religiously practicing comprehensive education and comprehensive sex education
have a lower rate of pregnancy than those who practice abstinence only education.
Although some would agree that abstinence only education is the best way to allow
adolescents to control their own bodies, it does not provide sexual education for those students
who are interested in engaging in sexual intercourse. Between 1990 and 2005, teenage pregnancy
dropped 40% and 86% of this crop was due to increased contraceptive use whereas only 14%
was due to a lack of sexual intercourse (11 Facts About Sex Education in the U.S.).
Comprehensive sex education as proven to be a strong way for students to learn more about sex
and how they can be safe if they are choosing to be sexually active.

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Bibliography
11 Facts About Sex Education in the U.S. 2011. 2014.
<http://www.siecus.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=page.viewPage&pageID=1347&nodeID=1
>.
Sexuality Tips & Facts : Advantages & Disadvantages of Contraceptives. Dir. Carol Clark. Perf.
Carol Clark. Prod. expertvillage. Paul Muller, 2009.
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TK5m3zrqtO4>.