ADVOCATES FOR YOUTH

'REAL' Education for America's Youth

Statement from James Wagoner, President, Advocates for Youth

Today, Congress has the opportunity to champion legislation that ensures America's young people receive responsible, medically accurate sex education in their schools. The Responsible Education About Life (REAL) Act would create a grant program that finally allows states to teach what they know works: comprehensive sex education.

With the REAL Act, schools would be funded to teach programs proven effective by over two decades of research and classroom use. School districts across the country would have support for a realistic, comprehensive approach to sex education that includes information about abstinence and condoms, as well as life skills.

Responsible, comprehensive sex education also builds young people's capacity for making decisions, resisting peer pressure, setting goals, managing stress, being responsible, understanding and accepting diversity, and building healthy relationships.

Responsibility is a two-way street. Young people need to safeguard their own sexual health and the health of others. But society owes young people the tools of responsibility—accurate information, confidential health services, and a secure stake in the future. With the Responsible Education About Life Act, we have that opportunity.

I would like to thank Representative Barbara Lee and Senator Frank Lautenberg for their leadership in supporting science-based information for young people.

I urge Congress to pass this bill quickly. Protecting the reproductive health or our young people—preventing unwanted pregnancies and the spread of STDs—is an issue that goes beyond partisan politics. The health and well-being of our nation's youth benefits everyone.

###

Advocates for Youth is a national, 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 >>