The American Social Health Association (ASHA) supports comprehensive health and sexuality education programs in the schools, from kindergarten through the 12^th grade.  The content of this education should include medically accurate and developmentally appropriate discussions of sexuality, reproduction, fertility, methods of contraception, decision-making, delaying first intercourse, abstinence, risk assessment and risk reduction, and sexually transmitted disease prevention, with special emphasis placed on the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

ASHA urges states to adopt mandates requiring comprehensive, developmentally appropriate, and medically accurate sexuality education programs that

• (a)  are based on rigorous, peer reviewed published research;
• (b)  show promise for delaying the onset of sexual activity and a reduction in sexual behavior that puts adolescents at risk for contracting sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, and for becoming pregnant;
• (c)  include both factual information and skills building lessons related to reproductive biology, pregnancy, sexual transmission of diseases, sexual abstinence, sexual responsibility, communication, decision-making, and condom use;
• (d)  include ample involvement of parents, health professionals, and other concerned community members in the development of the program; 
• (e)  include an ongoing evaluation component; and
• (f)  are part of an overall health education program.


Position as of October 8, 2002.