Sex Education Policy: Need for a Standard Definition of Medically Accurate Information

Courtney M. Gonzalez, BS, CHES, Diana F. Karczmarczyk, PhD, MPH, MCHES, Brittney L. Douress, BS, and Mackenzie M. Scott, BS

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Abstract

In comparison to other western industrialized nations, the rates of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among youth aged 15-19 is higher in the United States. Since the 1980’s, the United States federal government has intervened to aid in lowering these rates by funding a variety of abstinence-only programs. Despite almost $1.5 billion federal dollars spent on efforts to reduce pregnancy and STIs among this subpopulation, there have been unsustainable declines. There are significant concerns about the lack of a definition and description for medically accurate curriculums. To better understand the topic, a review of the historical and legislative context of federal and state policies are presented. Legal loopholes have resulted in mixed interpretations for sex education content. As a result of this, programs targeting youth reflect conservative ideology with information that is not medically accurate. As an example Mississippi’s state policy for sex education programs is analyzed and reviewed. A recommendation is offered for a scientifically supported definition of the term medically accurate. Furthermore, the authors put forward that sex education programs need to be taught using medically accurate information, skill-based curriculum, and inclusive communication methods for all students.

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Suggested Citation:

Gonzalez, C. M., Karczmarczyk, D. F., Douress, B. L., & Scott, M. M. (2016). Sex education policy: need for a standard definition of medically accurate information. Pedagogy in Health Promotion, 3(4), 221-227. doi:10.1177/2373379916678234