Coalition for Responsible Sex Ed is a coalition of educational, religious, health, social service and advocacy organizations, as well as concerned individuals that promotes lifelong healthy sexuality by advocating for policies on comprehensive sexuality education and access to confidential health care services.
New Coaltion Partner Organization
The Coalition welcomes newest Partner Organization, the Jacob Wetterling Foundation. The Jacob Wetterling Foundation educates, advocates and responds to reduce the number of missing and sexually exploited children and teens. Their support highlights the diversity of organizations supporting responsible sex education and confidential access to health care.
Minnesota Legislative Update
2008 Youth Lobby Day a Success!
On April 8th, youth from around the state gathered at the Capitol to send a message of support for responsible sex education as a statewide policy. The first ever rally attracted the attention of media and legislators. Over 55 youth lobbied over 40 elected officials and shared personal stories of how the decisions made at the Capitol affect their lives.
Last week was a big week for sex ed legislation at the Capitol! As you’ve seen in the recent Coalition update, sex ed is moving through the legislative process this year with great success, thanks to your letters, e-mails and visits with legislators. Stay tuned for future advocacy opportunities. We will no doubt need your calls again before the session is over.
For more information about what is happening at the Capitol, contact Lorie Alveshere at lorie@moappp.org or Amy Brugh at amy.brugh@mnaidsproject.org.
National Update
On April 23rd, Congress held the first ever oversight hearing focused on the public health and ethical concerns with federally funded abstinence-only-until-marriage programs. Congresswoman McCollum of the 4th Congressional district will be present at the hearing as a member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
The Coalition, along with other organizations across the country, sent letters to the Committee requesting they end funding for ineffective programs and make federal dollars available for responsible sex ed programs as outlined in the REAL Act (Responsible Education about Life Act). To view the Coalition for Responsible Sex Ed letter, click here (pdf). View Kaiser coverage on the hearing here.
In the News
Minnesota Press Coverage of Sex Education
Sex education has received extensive Minnesota press coverage this legislative session. To view a list of coverage and links to stories, visit Coalition for Responsible Sex Ed .
Lawmakers Ask That Abstinence-Only Funding Go to More Effective Programs
Seventy-six House lawmakers recently signed a letter to Rep. David Obey (Wis.), chair of the House Appropriations Committee, urging him to shift funding for HHS’ Community-Based Abstinence programs to "more effective programs," such as comprehensive sex education. Read more here.
Birth Rate Among Minnesota Teens, STIs Among All State Residents Increase
The birth and pregnancy rate among teenagers in Minnesota increased 7% from 2005 to 2006. In addition, STIs are found to be increasing among teens as more report being sexually active. Read more here.
Research
Researchers Examine Effect of Sex Education on Risk of Pregnancy and STIs Among Teens
The April issue of the Journal of Adolescent Health includes a study that examines the role that sex education plays in the initiation of sexual activity, as well as the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, among teenagers. Read more here.