They provide medical services and sexuality education for millions of women, men, and teenagers every year. Planned Parenthood also serves women and men around the world. These value statements were endorsed by the membership of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America. Sexuality is the interplay of gender, gender role, gender identity, sexual orientation, sexual preference, and social norms as they affect the physical, emotional, and spiritual life. It includes emotions, attitudes and values, relationships, self-image and ideals, as well as behaviors.
All people are sexual beings from birth to death.
Every individual has a right to pursue sexual health information and services without fear, shame, or exploitation. That right involves access to adequate, accurate, and age-appropriate information about sexuality, including the advantages and disadvantages of sexual expression. More than 85 percent of adults favor sexuality education for children and adolescents. 1 Programs for adolescents and adults should be balanced, and include skills for delaying intercourse and information about contraception. Abstinence-only programs are inadequate to ensure sexual health.