Condom Distribution in Public School Systems
Michael Albert
Professor Oleferuk
6/19/09
English 120
Condom Distribution in Public School Systems
According to the Center for Disease Control, there are approximately nineteen million new cases of sexually transmitted diseases reported every year. While this number seems astounding, it is more surprising that nearly half of those instances occur in the 15-25 year age group. Furthermore, nearly 300,000 unplanned teenage pregnancies arise mostly because of poor or no condom use (Ventura 53). Condom use has proven to be a very effective method to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, if condoms are used properly. Currently, there is much debate being stirred up as to whether or not condoms should be distributed in public school systems. While many look at the statistics in shock, and openly embrace the idea of offering free contraception to teenagers, there is a strong opposition as well. Those who stand against condom distribution believe that condom distribution is a way of promoting sexual activity, and believe in the teaching of abstinence-only education in the schools. The habits taught and promoted during teen years will be long lasting. Therefore, with proper education and the distribution of free contraception, there will be prevention of poor sexual behavior in that particular age group and, over time, in older age groups as well. Each year, the United States spends millions of dollars in order to aid developing countries in Africa that struggle with the AIDS epidemic. At the same time, people are arguing that there is not enough money to provide contraception, namely condoms, to the public schools, especially ones in poorer areas of the country. Many students in underprivileged neighborhoods lack the funds to purchase condoms or feel that the money spent to purchase condoms could be spent to buy other necessities. Lower class areas are the highest areas of unwanted pregnancies and STD infection (Kaiser 8). This problem may be
Professor Oleferuk
6/19/09
English 120
Condom Distribution in Public School Systems
According to the Center for Disease Control, there are approximately nineteen million new cases of sexually transmitted diseases reported every year. While this number seems astounding, it is more surprising that nearly half of those instances occur in the 15-25 year age group. Furthermore, nearly 300,000 unplanned teenage pregnancies arise mostly because of poor or no condom use (Ventura 53). Condom use has proven to be a very effective method to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, if condoms are used properly. Currently, there is much debate being stirred up as to whether or not condoms should be distributed in public school systems. While many look at the statistics in shock, and openly embrace the idea of offering free contraception to teenagers, there is a strong opposition as well. Those who stand against condom distribution believe that condom distribution is a way of promoting sexual activity, and believe in the teaching of abstinence-only education in the schools. The habits taught and promoted during teen years will be long lasting. Therefore, with proper education and the distribution of free contraception, there will be prevention of poor sexual behavior in that particular age group and, over time, in older age groups as well. Each year, the United States spends millions of dollars in order to aid developing countries in Africa that struggle with the AIDS epidemic. At the same time, people are arguing that there is not enough money to provide contraception, namely condoms, to the public schools, especially ones in poorer areas of the country. Many students in underprivileged neighborhoods lack the funds to purchase condoms or feel that the money spent to purchase condoms could be spent to buy other necessities. Lower class areas are the highest areas of unwanted pregnancies and STD infection (Kaiser 8). This problem may be
Bibliography: Kaiser Family Foundation. (2003). National Survey of Adolescents and Young Adults: Sexual Health Knowledge, Attitudes, and Experiences. Washington DC. Kaiser Family Foundation. Print. Ventura, S.J, et al. (2003) “Revised Pregnancy Rates, 1990 – 97, and New Rates for 1998 – 99. United States