97 percent of parents support providing AIDS information in high schools. This survey is based on 2,510 phone interviews with two cross-sections of adults nationwide. 53 percent think that sexuality education is available in most public schools. 54 percent believe that eliminating sexuality education in schools would lead to more teenage pregnancies. Statements showing support for sexuality education Officials at various organizations have publicly supported sexuality education programs.
Adolescents face many difficult choices when they enter high school.
Making the right decision often takes more than knowledge. It also requires support from peers, parents, and the community. Comprehensive programs must work to create an environment that is supportive of a teenager s decision to abstain from sex, or to use protection if they are going to have sex. Statement of Dr. Lloyd Kolbe, Director of the Division of Adolescent and School Health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Geneva, June 1998. Legislative barriers that discourage effective programs aimed at youth must be eliminated.