Let's talk about sex.

I greatly enjoyed reading Ashley Sanchez's commentary, in the Statesman, about teen sex education. She gladly reports on the statistical decrease in sexual activity for teens between the ages of 15-19 years old. Her article also reports an increase in contraceptive use for teens who are choosing to partake. She attributes these changes to the teachings of both abstinence and the use of protection if sexually active. I couldn't agree more.

I never understood why sex education had to be one way or the other. I couldn't (and still can't) grasp the concept that people can't rationally see why it's necessary to teach our children about both of these options. I was thrilled to see someone else writing about the necessity I've felt is common sense. Ashley points out the benefits of both methods, explaining that proper education in regards to protection will at least help in preventing teen pregnancy and the passing of sexually transmitted diseases. She also explains the methods used in regards to teaching abstinence. About informing the children of the morality factors and spiritual factors. I just can't agree more. I believe it's so important to educate on both grounds, despite the concern for being hypocritical. Sex is extremely personal and meaningful when you find a person that you love, but we can't just forget that it's just as biological as well. Regardless of how we each feel about it, puberty is inevitable and teenagers will always suffer from raging hormones. We simply can't ignore that.

I hope that education systems will eventually come to a compromise and realize that the best way to handle the situation is to join forces rather than being at odds with one another. We're all wanting to promote the same outcome. Young but wise individuals capable of making their own decisions and being educated enough to know how to properly prepare for those situations. After reading Ashley's article, I will continue to have hope that Texas will see the error of it's ways and promote the education of both abstinence and safe sex. It doesn't have to be one way or the other because sexuality is anything but black and white.