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Rick Perry Says "No" to Comprehensive Sex EducationBy Candace Y.A. Montague October 27, 2011
Rick Perry says he is against comprehensive sex education for youth. The Austin Chronicle reports that the Texas Governor and Republican 2012 presidential candidate has made a firm stand in favor of abstinence-only education. Governor Perry made his opinion known publicly in an interview with Evan Smith from The Texas Tribune last year. Abstinence-only sex education teaches youth to refrain from sexual activity until marriage. It generally does not address sexual orientations other than heterosexual and does not endorse condom use. Texas has the fifth highest rate of teenage pregnancy and the third highest repeat teen pregnancy rate in the country. It also ranks the fourth highest among the 50 states in cumulative reported AIDS cases, 10th in the country for syphillis, and 17th for chlamydia infections according to the CDC. Perry stated in the interview "I'm just going to tell you ... from my own personal life, abstinence works." Advocates for Youth, a DC based non-profit organization, recently published a report that justifies comprehensive sex education as the best way to keep youth safe and healthy. In their report, they found that teens who engage in comprehensive sex education programs are 50 percent less likely to experience pregnancy than those who received abstinence-only education. Not only are pregnancy rates lower but STI rates are lower and teens are more likely to delay sex. Many abstinence-only programs have shown to be ineffective and gives erroneous information about contraception and abortion risks. What becomes more and more obvious every year is that the bury your head in the sand technique simply doesn't work with 21st century teens. It's so easy for them to be influenced via music, videos, social media, text messages, etc. Teens are facing more pressure from peers than ever and are forced to make more decisions without guidance than in the past. Who cares about a curfew when you can sext or Skype one another? After that it's just a matter of time before computer love moves to making love. If adults (parents, community members and mentors) don't arm them with the tools necessary to bare it all, they will most certainly cave. Unfortunately, just say 'no' doesn't cut it anymore. To view Rick Perry's interview with Evan Smith, click here. His statement regarding abstinence-only begins around the 50:42 mark. Get e-mail notifications every time Candace's blog is updated.
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D.C. HIV/AIDS Examiner  Candace Y.A. Montague Candace Y.A. Montague has been learning about HIV since 1988 (and she has the certificates from the American Red Cross to prove it). Health is a high priority to Candace because she believes that nothing can come of your life if you're not healthy enough to enjoy it. One of her two master's degrees is in Community Health Promotion and Education. Candace was inspired to act against HIV after seeing a documentary in 2008 about African-American women and HIV. She knew that writing was the best way for her to make a difference and help inform others. Candace is a native Washingtonian and covers HIV news all around D.C. She has covered fundraisers, motorcycle rides, town hall meetings, house balls, Capitol Hill press conferences, election campaigns and protests for The DC Examiner.com and emPower News Magazine. Subscribe to Candace's Blog:
Recent Posts:
April 5, 2013 - The Sexual Health Lessons of Tyler Perry's Tempation: A Blog Entry by Candace Y.A. Montague
March 25, 2013 - Candace's AIDS News Update: A Blog Entry by Candace Y.A. Montague March 11, 2013 - Three Condoms Rule No More: A Blog Entry by Candace Y.A. Montague March 5, 2013 - HIV Prevention Strategies for Women Proven Ineffective: A Blog Entry by Candace Y.A. Montague February 8, 2013 - Black HIV/AIDS Awareness: Eight Points to Keep in Mind A Brief Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by TheBody.com's bloggers are entirely their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of TheBody.com itself. |
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