The Social Security Act, in 1996 made the abstinence-only approach primary by granting states the funds for sex education programs who assured they would follow the guidelines. The debate over which method should be used became so controversial, it seemed to have "taken over from abortion as the leading symbolic fight in the culture wars," (Malone/Rodriguez, 2). The decision was torn between a number of factors including religion, race, upbringing, region, etc. In the absence of proper sex education, young adults look to parents, school, television, and friends for information on sex. We all become familiar with our own bodies and the bodies of others around fifth grade, which sparks a sense of curiosity among all young adults. In the process of getting familiar, we start to develop questions, ideas, and feelings we cannot always control. This gets more intense with time. We all know that by the end of our fifth grade year, we take some introductory class to sex education, but are simply learning about my body and yours enough?.
In the 21st century, America's youth carries a need to know. And they should know, or at least have the access to obtain the information themselves. Research shows, "one out of five teens has intercourse before age 15," and out of that twenty percent, "more than 50% have had oral sex," (Kelly, 11). Those are scary numbers, not to mention all the risks that are attached with their adolescent ignorance. Comprehensive sex education is proof that having this information is what is decreasing the opportunities to make these risks a reality. It takes that extra step past only giving teens the option to remain abstinent, and provides them with all the necessary information and tools to become responsible, protected adults. In addition to the option of abstinence, comprehensive sex education informs teens on premarital sex, pregnancy, abortion, oral/anal sex, contraceptives, masturbation, and safe practices, as well as homosexuality and medical care.
