Advocates for Youth supports a renewed “Call to Action to Promote Sexual Health and Responsible Sexual Behavior.” The “Call to Action” for 2009 should built upon the 2001 Call issued by then-Surgeon General David Satcher, in which he sought to engage the public in a thoughtful discussion about sexuality. 

The new Call to Action should acknowledge the positive aspects of sexuality as well as address through science-based approaches the broad range of sexual health issues, including age appropriate, science-based sex education, sexually-transmitted infections (STIs), unintended pregnancy, abortion, and HIV/AIDS.  In addition, the Surgeon General should launch a targeted campaign to combat the staggering rates of STIs in this country.