We live in a sexual world, from birth to death, and the messages children receive from parents, television and films, musicians, actors, politicians, peers, and advertisers shape their views about sexuality. American society appears at times to narrow its focus from the broad nature of human sexuality to a fixation on sexual intercourse. Further troubling is the negative light in which this focus continues to be shone. We need to have a broad definition of sexuality, encompassing the feelings, thoughts, and behaviors related to being female or male, being attracted and attractive to others, and being in love, as well as the broad implications of experiencing sexual intimacy and engaging in physical sexual activity.

The American Social Health Association, recognizing that all people are sexual beings from birth to death, asserts that all members of society have certain rights and consequent responsibilities:

Adolescents have rights to:

• Balanced, accurate, and realistic sex education, access to confidential sexual health services, and a secure stake in the future
• Respect and should be included in shaping programs and policies that affect their well-being

Society has the responsibility to:

• Provide young people with the tools needed to safeguard their sexual health and protect them from unwanted and coerced sexual activity

Adolescents have the responsibility to:

• Protect themselves from bearing children too early and from acquiring sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.

Position as of March 3, 2003