I wrote a letter to the Governor of Utah recently. Not something I ever get involved in, but I got mad and had to share my opinion regarding the recent events of teaching "Abstinence only" in Utah schools in regards to sex education. While I do hope that kids will wait until their married, and I am definitely pro abstinence, I also believe it is vitally important to teach children all about human reproduction/sexuality and how it all works and how to prevent disease and how to prevent pregnancy.
When I was in highschool, in the 80's, they taught us everything. I had an EXCELLENT sex ed teacher who was open, frank, honest, and in presenting everything, she did a very good job of persuading you to choose abstinence.
We learned how to put condoms on. (using a banana). We learned what IUDs, diaphrams, the pill, the sponge, etc... were and how they were used. We learned about diseases, and what they did and what they could do. We learned about responsibility that comes with those choices.
Never once, in any of the times I went to class did I ever get the urge to experiment. Or the desire to have sex. Nope. I was definitely one to wait until marriage.
Some of my friends were not. Some of them got pregnant and suffered the consequences. But you know what, never once did they say they went ahead and had sex because of sex ed class.
Giving highschool kids the knowledge of how it works, the responsibility and consequences, and plain common sense is POWER. It is not permission to go do it.
So many parents do NOT talk to their children about sex education. So if the parents don't, and the school won't... then the kids will learn from movies, television, graphic novels, video games, and other friends who do not know what the heck they are talking about either!!
If I were learning from those sources when I was in highschool. I would have had sex. Movies and television make it look so romantic and fun. Of course I would have done it! But I had knowledge. And it gave me power to say "NO" and it gave me the right knowledge instead of the wrong.
My parents didn't talk to me about sex. I had to learn it all at school. And then had to learn a lot more after I got married. (there's a lot they don't tell ya in school.... and I wish they had).
Anyhow.... I told Governor Herbert to keep the power with the parents in whether they allow their child to attend class or they opt out. I also encouraged that they teach more than abstinence and said the same to him. "Knowledge is Power." ENCOURAGE abstinence. But instruct on the other areas.
And I think it has nothing to do with religion either. I know more LDS girls who had sex before they got married than those who didn't. And maybe if they had received a little more knowledge and responsibility information they would have seen WHY they should choose the right.
It's a tough battle out there. I think todays youth must be armed with information. I have talked openly with David about everything. He and I have very good communication. I don't recall talking to my older kids about sex. At all. They never asked. David is curious and he asks a lot of questions and I am honest with him.
Some would call me a fence sitter. I always thought that was a person who couldn't make up their mind. But in my case, it's a person who agrees with things on both sides of the fence. Take abortion for instance. I am PRO LIFE. I am sad that we have abortion. I am sad that anyone would choose abortion. BUT-- I want it to be legal and safe for those who DO make that choice. And I do think there are instances when it could be the right choice depending on the circumstances. It's not for me to judge. But if it's going to be.... I want it safe and legal.
So, now I will step off my soapbox and get back to work. Just had to say my two cents.
And remember.... "use a condom!"
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