There is a big debate on whether or not contraceptive devices should be distributed to teenagers in schools. Both sides of this argument have valid points but society needs to be realistic to the facts that the age of teenagers becoming sexually active is at an early age. Society also needs to realize that the unwanted pregnancy rate is the highest in the United States. So, with teen pregnancy and the spread of STD’s on an extreme rise, it is time for the high schools, the place that most teenagers spend most of their time, to take a stance. Although teaching teenagers about sex is very important and abstinence is the best way of preventing unwanted pregnancy and STD, teenagers are still becoming pregnant. Other resources must be addressed. High Schools have begun to administer and distribute condoms and birth control to students. As a firm believer in sex education, I support the movement.
In today’s society, high schools should distribute contraceptives to students. This issue of contraceptives in schools is a growing concern because of increasing rates of sexual behavior, earlier onset of sexual activity, teenage pregnancy, and the spreading of STD’s and HIV/AIDS. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 47.4% had ever had sexual intercourse, 33.7% had had sexual intercourse during the previous 3 months, and of these, 39.8% did not use a condom the last time they had sex, and 15.3% had had sex with four or more people during their life. An estimated 8,300 young people aged 13-24 years in the 40 states reporting to CDC had HIV infection in 2009. Nearly half of the 19 million new STDs each year are among people ages 15-24 years. More than 400,000 teen girls ages 15-19 gave birth in 2009. It is important to educate teenagers about the use of contraceptives. Teenagers need to know that having unprotected sex puts them and others at great risk.
Teenagers need to be able to talk to responsible adults about sexual activity. Allowing...