"Abstinence only" sex ed does not work

This is a tough post to write. Not because the content is uninteresting -- quite the opposite actually. The article for which I am writing this post is engaging, and it speaks directly to my own views and emphasis on comprehensive sex ed. I'm struggling to write this post because inside I am yelling "What the hell are you doing to these kids and their futures, you idiot?!?!?!"

Well, I guess it's out now!

I'm so fed up with people who insist that abstinence only sex education is effective, that the science behind comprehensive sex education is false, or that birth control doesn't work. I try to keep my cool and recognize that often people believe things that are untrue due to a lack of education ... but in this case, I just don't believe that! So for the sake of our teens (who are listening to the false information this guy is spewing), let's clear a few things up:

Abstinence only sex ed is not effective.  Don't believe me?  Read this article, look up stats, and let's chat.

Comprehensive sex education is effective.  The evidence is overwhelming.  If you need proof, I can send you plenty of links and information -- just ask!

Birth control is effective.  Even when used incorrectly (which, by the way, I do not recommend!) it is more effective than using nothing ... which is what the kids in Texas have been doing.  Because hey, in school they learned that birth control doesn't work ... so why bother using it, right?

The Article:

I'm going to send you over to read the actual article ... but first I will include a couple of key points:

- Texas Governor Rick Perry is considering running for President of the United States

- Perry's governance is becoming less and less about science and evidence and more about religion -- particularly his own personal views

- He is using his personal views to determine what children and youth are learning in school -- not the least of which is related to sex education:

"Perry has taken governing positions that affect millions of children based on his own personal opinions, even when those opinions are overwhelmingly contradicted by the evidence." (Otto, 2011)

- The results of this have been absolutely disastrous:

"Texas lawmakers cut sex ed from two six-month courses to a single unit of "abstinence only" education. But early indications showed that the program wasn't working. In fact, teens in almost all high school grades were having more sex after undergoing the abstinence only program. By 2007, Texas had the highest teen birth rate in the nation." (Otto, 2011)

What really gets to me is that this guy (and others, but primarily him because he is making the decisions) has so much power and influence over the lives of millions of children and youth. And what he's doing is creating an absolute disaster. Kids don't even have the option of making informed decisions, because he has taken the information away from them entirely. Even college students have a hard time accessing contraception in Texas.

Ok, enough ranting by me. Read the article yourself and let me know what you think!

"Rick Perry asked why more kids are getting pregnant in Texas"

- Candice

p.s. I run a great workshop on teen pregnancy ... message me if you're interested! 

It's the Final Day!

Tonight is my final workshop session!  This ending is bittersweet ... although it has been an insane amount of work to get through this workshop, I have enjoyed it immensely and will miss running it when it's over.  All the more reason to keep improving and looking for another opportunity to run a workshop!

I've prepared what I think is a pretty awesome info board for tonight's session on Teen Pregnancy.  My intention is to give a "reality check" to those youth who may view pregnancy and raising a child as something that would be "fun" or "something to do".  The board draws attention to three main things:

1) that having a baby changes your whole life;

2) that babies are expensive and;

3) that it's hard to pay for a baby when you and/or your partner haven't yet finished high school, or if you're relying on Governmental support to get you through.

A disclaimer, just in case: In no way am I trying to negate the positive aspects of parenthood, nor am I demeaning those who have had children when they were teens.  As usual, I am trying to educate about the realities involved with having a child.

I still need to put together the actual activity board, but I wanted to share this info board with you!

Thanks for your support!
Candice :)

Babies Having Babies ...

Based on the title, you can probably guess (if you haven't read previous posts or don't remember) - tomorrow's workshop is about Teen Pregnancy.  It's also the FINAL session of my workshop - an adventure which has flown by and developed into far more than I could have imagined!

As is the case with all of my workshop sessions, the information I present tomorrow will be both practical and relevant to my audience.  I don't see any point in standing in front of them and spouting random, irrelevant knowledge that won't help them in their lives.  Instead, I am going to focus on helping them figure out how to apply what I talk about to their own lives.  Maybe one of them will walk away thinking "Wow, I am not ready to be a parent yet."  Fingers crossed!

As I've already stated, this workshop has grown into far more than I could have imagined.  I'm incredibly thrilled with how well everything has gone, and very proud of the youth who have been part of the sessions.

What I have now is a very comprehensive and widely applicable workshop which can be edited and tailored to a variety of audiences.  Running my workshop at the OYC has given me a chance to step back and evaluate every aspect of it; yes, I will definitely make a few changes before I run it again.  However, I have worked hard to build a strong foundation, and it will continue to get better!

Even though my workshop is ending, I will be continuing to post regularly.  There is SO MUCH going on in the world of sexual health education!  Also, don't forget to check out the other pages of this site!

• Contact me (Candice)


• All about my workshop!


• Useful resources and links


• About me!


• Support my efforts to educate!

Thanks for tuning in!

Candice :)