For generations, “the birds and the bees” has been the go-to metaphor for introducing kids to the basics of sex and relationships. But many parents still feel uncomfortable or unsure when it comes to having that conversation, especially given the ever-evolving nature of relationships, sexual he alth and gender identity. As a medical student, I’ve had children ask me: “What is sex?” “What is a healthy relationship?” and some even share personal stories about their gender identity and sexuality. I’ve also had many parents ask me: “When do I bring it up?” “What do I say?” and most commonly and relatable to many, “I wasn’t given the talk by my parents, I got it from school.” Sanya Sanapala So, what do we do about this situation? We must advocate for the requirement of medically accurate sex education curriculum in public schools, as well as education pertaining to gender identity, sexual orientation and consent. Many schools teach to the abstinence curriculum, which is what I was taught at my school. But is this effective? A study by Stanger-Hall in 2011 looked at 48 states (excluding Wyoming and North Dakota) of which 39 states either covered, emphasized, or stressed abstinence-only education. It was shown that the average teen pregnancy rate increased with an increased level of abstinence education. The states that stressed abstinence had an average birth rate of 73.24 teen pregnancies per 1,000 girls. The states that covered abstinence education had an average birth rate of 56.36 teen pregnancies per 1,000 girls. The issue goes beyond just what we teach about abstinence, it also lies in the gaps within the curriculum in Connecticut. The Connecticut Department of Education sets guidelines for sex education in public schools, but does not set requirements. Specifically, there is no curriculum requirement to include topics such as gender identity, sexual orientation, or even consent. In addition, Connecticut also has no statute regarding medically accurate sex education instruction. This is particularly concerning to me as a future healthcare provider. I strongly urge legislation in Connecticut to require medically accurate sex education curriculum. Medically accurate education involves providing information that is up-to-date, scientifically supported, and free from ideological bias. It ensures that students receive the correct facts about sexual health, contraception, and the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Comprehensive education is linked to lower rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV as young people who are informed about prevention are more likely to take protective measures. A 2021 study in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that comprehensive, medically accurate sex education has been shown to delay sexual initiation, increase contraceptive use and safe sex practices, and reduce the number of sexual partners among adolescents. Governments have an obligation to provide accurate information to their citizens, and that includes students. Furthermore, legislation should mandate topics such as gender identity, sexual orientation, and consent be included in sexual education curriculum. It is important to promote inclusivity and respect for diversity while fostering a supportive education environment for students. A 2019 survey by the Trevor Project found that nearly half (40%) of LGBTQ+ youth and more than half of transgender and nonbinary youth have seriously considered suicide this past year. With inclusive education, we can validate these students’ identities and improve outcomes. According to a Human Rights Campaign survey in 2018, 94% of LGBTQ+ students who receive inclusion lessons reported feeling safer in school. We all want the same thing for our children: to grow up healthy, informed, and capable of making good decisions. Regardless of our personal beliefs or backgrounds, we can agree that in an increasingly complex world, we want our children to have accurate information to navigate it. Providing comprehensive, medically accurate sexual education equips them to make safer choices, respect others, and understand their own health and relationships. By investing in better education, we are investing in their future, creating a society where every student, no matter their identity or background, can thrive and succeed. But this change won’t happen without action. I urge readers to contact their legislators and advocate for laws that mandate medically accurate, inclusive sexual education in Connecticut Schools. Share this message with your schools, whether that means talking to school boards, writing to local newspapers, or using social media to spread awareness. Or maybe joining organizations like Planned Parenthood or GLSEN which are already making efforts to push for these necessary changes. Every voice matters in ensuring that the next generation has access to the knowledge they deserve. Let’s make comprehensive sex education a reality for all students in Connecticut. Sandhya Sanapala is a medical student at the University of Connecticut Health Center. ...read more read less