Rising Rates of Teen Pregnancy and STD's

Article
CDC Info  
CDC Info

This article that I found discusses how the STD and teen pregnancy rates have risen in the US since 2005. The article found that due to President Bush's "evangelically-driven education policy", these rates began to rise after a steady decline since 1991. Critics of abstinence only sex education argue that the lack of comprehensive education was to blame for syphilis and pregnancy rates increasing by more than half and gonorrhea lowered rates being reversed. They also found that the rate of HIV has doubled in adolescent males. The article also talks about how theses increases have primarily taken place in southern states, where there is a greater emphasis on abstinence until marriage and religion. It also connects the regional, political, and religious aspects of adolescent sexual health discussion.

I find this article very interesting because it basically goes in hand with our discussions in class. I actually found the information on the Centers for Disease and Prevention site to make sure that this article was accurate and not just politically driven. I personally believe that this information should be presented to every person that supports ignoring teen sex and teaching abstinence only education because this startling information really shouldn't be ignored. What do you all think?

-Jalissa B.

Changing the Curriculum-

Sex-Ed Course Change

    This article I found is about a school district trying to update its middle school sex-ed course.  It would now include sending racy photos and messages and also violence that goes along with dating.  They speak about the new changes and also that the students cannot participate unless the parents sign a permission form. 
    I know the bill they passed was for parents rights, but I don't really agree with it.  I think that all students should be taught to be aware of what is going on with their changing bodies and the environment around them.  I understand that everyone parents differently and things change household-to-household but just like Cameron stated "From a public health standpoint, this is the only place our kids get this information. And if they opt out, they won't get it anywhere."
    I also feel that knowledge is power.  Some parents do not speak about sex and the changes because they want the schools to do that.  With my parents my mom spoke to me and was very open about puberty but I knew many people who had no idea until they watched the movie in 4th grade that was 30+ years old.
    Also, I found it very interesting to see the comments from other people reading the article if you scroll down. 
    What do you think about incorporating "sexting" and dating violence to the curriculum? What would you change or add?

(I also found this clip to fit particularly well:    Sex Ed Discussion
The entire episode is really interesting and it ties in to a lot of what we've discussed)

~Sarah J.