Most students know the basics about sexual intercourse, but should they have a sex education class?  Many students and teachers support having a sex education class at high schools.  However, some still are against it.  “I have taken a sexual education class before but it didn’t teach me anything new,” Caleb Milligan said.  As growing up is a part of life, sexual intercourse is a decision.   “Sex was my personal decision and I made it to home base,” an anonymous junior said.  Some students wouldn’t want to take a sex-ed class even if it was offered because they would be nervous about what is said and taught.  “I do not want to take a sexual education class because I won’t feel comfortable with what will be taught,” an interviewed freshman said. 

According to a comprehensive review of sex and HIV programs published by the Natural Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, “Two thirds of forty eight programs had positive behavioral effects.”  Ninety nine percent of Americans believe it is appropriate to inform young people about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in their high school career, and ninety four percent believe young people should be taught about birth control.  “I believe there should be a sex education class because I have taken one before and it informed me better than television or my friends could,”  freshman Gus Lukas said.  After looking at STI statistics, many people might have a positive outlook about taking a sexual education class.  “I believe M-CHS should offer sex-ed classes because it is the student’s decision whether or not he/she wants to take it, and they should know what the risks are,” said Ms. Martucci.

Many students here at M-CHS know the difference between abstinence sex and sex education.  “I have never sat through a sex-ed class but have heard that they teach how to use contraceptives.  In our W.A.I.T (Why Am I Tempted) training we teach that we need to look at persons as a whole, not just the physical aspect of a person.  In our abstinence class we teach that a person is more than physical; they are emotional, social, and spiritual beings,” Anthony Maes, local W.A.I.T Training instructor, said.   Out of all the interviewed students more than three-fourths said they know the difference between abstinence and sex education.

It’s the individuals’ decision, and he or she has to live with the possible consequences such as, social and emotional problems in men, unwanted pregnancy in unmarried females, and several kinds of sexually transmitted infections. Before that final decision is made, remember the risks involved.