Sexually healthy individuals are the foundation for a sexually healthy society. Healthy interaction between the genders, at all ages, encourages personal autonomy and nonexploitive relationships. Both genders are victimized by socialization into rigid gender roles. The principles of equality, justice, self-determination, and responsibility should underlie relationships between girls and boys, and between men and women, their social roles, behavior, development, and opportunities. The benefits of flexible gender roles include the capacity for a better balance between paid work and family activities, better use of talent, employment advantages for many workers, and improved general well-being of both genders.
Parents are the primary sexuality educators of their children.
Parents give messages and set examples about sexuality and relationships from the time their children are born. Honest, accurate family communication can help children learn how to take care of themselves and the people they care about. Family members who are comfortable discussing sexuality with one another have a greater capacity to make healthy decisions and build strong relationships based on their values. Individuals and society benefit when childbearing is postponed until maturity. Eighty-two percent of teenage pregnancies are unintended, and women carrying unintended pregnancies are less likely to seek early prenatal care.