Planned Parenthood's sex-ed
It tries to do so "safely," but the bottom line is that it simply pushes "sex"
From Kentucky Citizen Digest, Sept, 1998

The launching of the KISH abstinence education project in the western part of the state is in stark contrast with information disseminated in other regions.  Because Planned Parenthood is known for its role in sex education, a visit to their Lexington office revealed the exact nature of their agenda.

The office had an extensive resource room of information, primarily in pamphlet form, addressing topics from abortion, AIDS, and contraception, to how and when parents should talk to their kids about sex. To their credit, there were a handful of pamphlets that dealt solely with abstinence.  These pamphlets contained questions to ask yourself about sex, how to deal with the peer pressure resulting from an “abstinence stand,” and some reasons why not to have sex.

One of the pamphlets even had a religious overtone to it that encouraged prayer as a way to deal with the pressure of sex.  While there were a few mentions of religious, moral, or value based decisions for abstaining, the overriding reasons for abstaining were to prevent unwanted pregnancies, avoiding AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), or later emotional problems.

The majority of the information, however, was geared toward “safe sex” — contraceptives and their use.  Some of the more “entertaining” pamphlet titles (designed to grab the attention of information seekers) re:  Condom Facts - A User’s Guide, Five Smart Steps to Good Sex, Five Smart Steps to Condoms, and Getting What You Want From Sex.

One of the more informative pamphlets was entitled Birth Control Choices for Teens.  It examined all forms of contraception from abstinence and condom, to the pill and Norplant.  Unfortunately, one of the forms of birth control that it cited was “outercourse.”  According to the pamphlet, “…you will enjoy sex play without vaginal intercourse.”  The practices, which were graphically described in the pamphlet (too graphic for this newsletter), involved all kinds of physical contact with the genitalia, including, but not limited to, oral and anal intercourse.

Planned Parenthood is obviously attempting to limit pregnancies but is tragically missing the point regarding sexually transmitted diseases and emotional damage from premarital (premature) sexual encounters.  The most widespread STD is called HPV.  Over 40 percent of American college coeds have tested positive for it.  It causes cervical cancer and condoms offer no protect for its transmission.

In 5 Smart Steps to Condoms, readers are encouraged to, “Use (condoms) as party favors.  Give your partner condoms for Valentine’s Day.  Give your friends condoms for presents.”  They were also urged to, “Mix condoms and sex play.  Think of condoms as sex toys.  Together, come up with different ways of putting them on.”

Abstinence was given honorable mention, but Planned Parenthood clearly leads with the “safe sex” philosophy, claiming that its “responsible.”  This perspective implicitly advocates sexual activity, not “abstinence before marriage.”  They advocate “safe sex,” but the bottom line is that their still just advocating “sex.”
 

Key Family Foundation Contacts: Kent Ostrander, Executive Director Martin Cothran, Senior Associate Policy Analyst