As part of our mission, Planned Parenthood of Chester County provides educational programs which enhance understanding of human sexuality. We share a common goal of ensuring that sexuality is understood as an essential, lifelong aspect of being human and that it is celebrated with respect and openness.

Do We Need Sexuality Education?

• Each year, about one in four sexually active US teens acquires a sexually transmitted infection (STI) (1,2)
• Teens make up only 25% of the sexually active population, but more than 50% of all new STIs (1,2)
• Young people are contracting HIV at the rate of two per hour, with 50% of new infections occurring in people under the age of 25 (3)
• Less than 33% of teen mothers graduate from high school, and only 1.5% will earn a college degree by age 30 (4)
• 51% of teens believe that if they were involved in a pregnancy, they would marry their partner (4)
• In reality, 81% of teenage births are to unmarried adolescents - 25% of whom rely on public assistance almost immediately (4)

We need it now more than ever.

We have long understood that sexuality is a natural and healthy part of living and that adolescents should have access to accurate information if they are to be expected to make positive choices in their lives.

We also believe that, ideally, parents should educate their children about sexuality. However, because some parents are uncomfortable talking about sexuality with their children, we provide this important information in a professional and appropriate fashion.

There are many different approaches to educating people about sexuality.
Comprehensive sexuality education, loosely defined as programming that teaches about both abstinence and birth control, is emerging as a more effective way of assisting young people with making healthy decisions about sex.

Why Comprehensive Education?

Now more than ever, educators must work with young adults to empower them to make positive, healthy, and responsible decisions around sexuality and relationships.

Comprehensive sexuality education is effective in reducing teen pregnancy and STI rates among young adults.Our educational programs are unique in that they go beyond “just the facts” and strive to motivate and empower teens to adopt healthy lifestyles.

The idea that adults only want teens to have information around abstinence is overstated. In fact, public opinion shows that, while adults certainly want abstinence to be promoted to young people, a significant percentage also feel adolescents should have access to information on where to get contraception and how to use it, how to use a condom, and how to get tested for STIs, including HIV. (2)

Our Programs

In recent years, we have focused particularly on education among pre-adolescents, teens, and young adults. We feel these are the groups where information, knowledge, and self-esteem have the greatest impact.

• Multi-Session Community Education for Youth
• Admirando Nuestra Adolesencia (ANA)
• Sex 101 & 201

Attention Parents!

We recognize that, despite the vast number of sexual messages kids are getting from friends, TV, and the internet, very little factual information comes across. Like you, we want young adults to have healthy and rewarding lives and we all know that teaching them about sex is very important. But for many adults, it's hard to talk about sex — especially with their own children.

Sexuality educators at PPCC are here to assist parents and community members as well as young adults. Helpful information for parents is available on Planned Parenthood Federation of America’s website: www.plannedparenthood.org – or you may contact PPCC’s Education Department at ppchestercty.edu@ppccpa.org.

Want to support comprehensive sexuality education in our community?

Learn more about volunteer opportunities or give a gift to support PPCC’s programming.

References for above statistics:

1.The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, National Survey of Adolescents and Young Adults: Sexual Health Knowledge, Attitudes, and Experiences, 2003
2. Alan Guttmacher Institute, Comprehensive Approach Needed to Combat Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Youth, March 2004
3. White House Office of National AIDS Policy
4. Annie E. Casey Foundation, 2004
5. Siecus Report: Teenage Pregnancy, Birth, and Abortion, Feb/Mar 2002