The European Study Institute, sponsored by Advocates for Youth in collaboration with the University of North Carolina, Charlotte, found that the age of first intercourse in the Netherlands is 17.0 years, 16.2 in Germany, and 16.8 in France compared to 15.8 in the United States. In late July 1998, U.S. experts in adolescent sexual health toured the Netherlands, Germany, and France for two weeks of intensive work with health ministers, sexuality educators, and teen health professionals. Participants explored how the countries' government policies affect adolescent sexual behavior and attitudes. The Institute included 42 participants, professionals and graduate students, as well as two teen journalists. Teen reproductive health is treated as a public health issue, not a political or religious one.
Research drives public policy to reduce unintended pregnancies, abortion, and STDs.
Adolescents have convenient, confidential access to contraception and sexual health information and services, which are usually free. Teens receive open, honest, consistent messages about sexuality from parents, grandparents, media, schools, and health care providers. The governments fund massive, consistent, and long-term public education campaigns that utilize TV, radio, billboards, discos, pharmacies, and clinics to deliver clear, explicit portrayals of responsible sexual behavior. Mass media is a partner, not a problem. By contrast, in the U.S., Congress is currently considering legislation that would require parental consent before teens could access contraception.