The state of sexual education in KY results in negative consequences for its citizens

In America, we have recognized education as the only option for young people of ages 5-18. Even after our mandated twelve years, we are encouraged to move on to college to get a higher education. These years provide children with skills in organization, compromise, and communication. Every subject strives to provide students with the most comprehensive education possible. This goal is completely ignored in most states when it comes to sexual education.

Abstinence-only education, used by Kentucky, does not discuss any prevention of pregnancy or STDs other than through no sex at all. Kentucky ranks sixteenth in the country in regards to the teen pregnancy rate.

The correlation between abstinence-only education and teen pregnancy rates is undeniable. Among the list of highest teen pregnancy rates is New Mexico, Mississippi and Texas. These happen to also be the states with the most restriction on what a teacher can say to their students.

On the opposite end, New Hampshire ranks at number 50, the lowest teen pregnancy rate in the country, yet the state with the most comprehensive education. This should be the aim for Kentucky educational systems.

Kentucky’s legislature should mandate that education covers consent, prevention of STDs, and prevention of pregnancy.

However, these next four years may be dark for Kentucky’s sexual education programs.

Governor Matt Bevin has publicly come out and said he would veto such a bill, condemning Kentuckian youth to ignorance about their own anatomy. Without equipping our youth, we are throwing them into an unknown world that could very well result in unwanted pregnancy and potential death with diseases such as AIDS or chlamydia.

The assumption that parents will cover these topics is an easy diversion, especially on such a medically accurate level that many students will need. Myths are common within this topic, and falsehoods do not protect teens. Furthermore, adults are less likely to have a comprehensive education on the topic as many of them were also subjected to subpar sexual education.

With the resistance of both legislators and the governor, Kentuckian young adults need to push to help the generation below us, for a safer generation with lower STD and pregnancy rates. Protests and voting booths will remind our legislatures that we do matter, and we do care.