ADVOCATES FOR YOUTH

U.S. Found To Have Highest Teen Birth and Abortion Rates of all Industrialized Nations

Congress Denies Millions Of American Young People Critical Sexuality Education

WASHINGTON, DC (December 14, 1999) The U.S. has 13 times the teen birth rate of the Netherlands, 25 times the gonorrhea rate of Germany, three times the teen abortion rate of France, and U.S. teens begin having sex earlier than European teens.

Yet, according to a new study released today by the Alan Guttmacher Institute more than 1/3 of all U.S. public school districts with a sex education policy prohibit any discussion of contraception, teaching abstinence until marriage as the only way to prevent HIV and teen pregnancy.

Advocates for Youth's President, James Wagoner, today calls on U.S. policy makers to stop censoring critical sexuality information from our young people. "Despite high numbers of teen births, HIV infection and teen abortion rates, young people are being denied critical information about contraception that could protect their health and save their lives," said Wagoner. "These aren't just numbers. They are our sons and daughters. It is a classic case of U.S. politicians putting their agendas before the health and needs of our young people. And it has to stop," he concluded.

An annual European study tour by health professionals and educators, led by Advocates for Youth, found the rates of HIV/AIDS and teen births drastically lower in Germany, France and the Netherlands because of a practical and healthy attitude about sex. Unlike in the U.S., sexuality information is widely available to young people in those countries.

Studies by UNAIDS and the World Health Organization show that comprehensive sexuality education—which teaches about both abstinence and contraception—is the most effective sex education for young people. Those who receive this kind of education are more likely to begin having sex later in life and to use protection correctly and consistently when they do become sexually active.

"Ignorance is nobody's ally in the era of AIDS. What we have to realize in the U.S. is that denying young people critical information about contraception is not only naïve and short-sighted, but irresponsible and dangerous," said Wagoner.

Advocates for Youth is calling on policy makers to put politics aside and increase funding for realistic, balanced sexuality education. "The research is clear. Young people need information about abstinence and contraception. It's not either/or—they need both," said Wagoner.

Advocates for Youth is an international, nonprofit organization that creates programs and supports policies that help young people make safe, responsible decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.

###

Note to Editors and Producers: For more information or to set up an interview with adolescent sexuality experts, please contact Bill Barker at (202) 419-3420.

RETURN TO INDEX OF PRESS RELEASES >>