Education & Abortion

Sex Education and Reproductive Rates Yield Correlation in Recent Years

     What does a classroom conversation and piece of legislature have in common? Surprisingly, more than you’d think. 

     Abortion has always been a controversial topic in the United States and sexual education is a big part of the conversation. An issue we see now is what the correct way to regulate the topic of reproduction is — in terms of education, medial legislature and how it relates to the nation’s health.

     In recent years, we have seen a growing resistance to the decision made in Roe v. Wade, the landmark case that made abortion legal in all fifty states.

This controversy has divided the nation. In some states, access to reproductive health care facilities like Planned Parenthood and sex education programs are abundant. In California, it is common for children to begin learning about sexual reproduction in elementary school. This education often continues in various school programs up until college. This is not the standard for all states, however, and there are many factors as to why. 

 In Northern states it is much more acceptable to talk about reproductive health due to the presence of political parties in the states. In more conservative areas, beliefs have remained largely conservative. This has largely affected the sexual education in schools. 

 In a study released by the Texas Freedom Network, it was revealed that nearly 60% of sex education was based on abstinence only programs and nearly a quarter of the states failed to implement any type of sexual education in schools.

     The lack of sexual education, or thorough sexual education, affects teenage pregnancy and abortion rates vastly in the respective country.

     In regard to Pro-life and Pro-choice groups, there are distinctive opinions about the access to reproductive healthcare and sexual education in schools. Those who identify as Pro-life believe that abortion is a moral issue and should not be encouraged. Those identifying as Pro-choice believe that the right to abortion is a personal choice. Regardless of personal thoughts on abortion, access to information and education should be equal no matter the political party… right?

     Thoughts on abortion and sexual education are commonly linked. What this means is that for states where abortion is made accessible there is shown to be a higher amount of comprehensive sexual education in school. States with little to no access to abortions are shown to have far less comprehensive sex education curriculum. 

     This has revealed a drastic effect on teen pregnancy rates. 

     In 2017, southern states averaged 27 to 33 teen pregnancies for every 1000 women, while northern states averaged between 8 to 14 teen pregnancies for every 1000 women. The comparable difference in rates can be traced back to sexual education and access to abortion in these states. Planned Parenthood found that only 24 states require sexual education be taught in K-12 schools and only 13 states are required to report medically correct information about reproductive rights. 

     Studies have shown that southern states lacking access to reproductive right centers and comprehensive sex education, typically yield higher rates of teen pregnancy. According to a campaign conducted by “Power to Decide”, California — which provides access to birth control and comprehensive sex education, averaged 15 teenage pregnancies for every 1000 girls, while Arkansas ranked the highest with 32 teenage pregnancies for every 1000.

     Furthermore, these trends can be linked to the amount of emphasis placed on promoting healthy relationship habits. 

     The Center for American Progress reported that California requires that students be taught about healthy relationships, sexual assault and consent. States such as Mississippi, Delaware and Montana require neither. Relationships and sexual health have not been enforced throughout the country, leading to increased unhealthy patterns in states lacking this education. 

     Legislation has recently been introduced to combat these issues. 

     Kentucky has introduced new legislation requiring the introduction of “development and relationship skills necessary to form healthy relationships free of violence, coercion, and intimidation.” Likewise, Mississippi has begun to make strides in reform by initiating legislation that requires sexual consent be integrated in all programs that cover sexual education. 

     While many states continue to teach abstinence rather than sexual education, implementation of the described programs are a step in the right direction. Schools throughout the United States have continued to improve educational standards through work with the Teen Prevention Program (TPP). TPP has been responsible for funding sex education and pregnancy prevention since 2010 through its work with the Obama administration and allocated funds. 

     Since the integration of sex education schools over the last decade, teen pregnancy rates have dropped by 9% in schools teaching this type of education. Regardless of these improvements, over one-third of funds are still allocated toward abstinence only programs, according to the Women’s Health Policy.

     Political parties have no place in education and sexual education is no exception. Teen pregnancy rates have shown to be lower in states with guaranteed access to contraception, abortion, and comprehensive sexual education. Citizens can encourage these changes by contacting legislators, participating in peaceful protests and sharing accurate information about reproductive rights and services with those around them. Sexual education and access to abortion must be improved in the United States and it is up to legislators and citizens to demand this change.