Name: Erika H.

Cabatingan
Year and Program:
Position Paper Title: Should Teenagers Have Access to and Be Educated About Birth Control and Other
Contraceptives?

Birth control and various forms of contraception for teenagers are a hotly debated subject in our society
today. Teenagers are more promiscuous and sexually active than ever before in today's society, with no
proper knowledge, practices, or access to birth control or other forms of contraceptives. Birth control
refers to the practice of preventing unwanted pregnancies, especially through the use of contraception.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, “more than half of young men
and a quarter of young women received low scores on contraceptive knowledge, and six in ten
underestimated the effectiveness of oral contraceptives” (Frost et al., 2012, . 110). Not having the proper
knowledge, attitude, and practice of birth control methods can put many at risk for a sexually transmitted
disease, unplanned pregnancy, and abortions when engaging in sexual activity.

Firstly,Lack of Knowledge and Risky Behavior: The majority of young people today engage in sexual
activity without sufficient knowledge of how to use birth control and other forms of contraception. The
National Center for Health Research (NCHR) data reveals that nearly half of all students in grades 9
through 12 have had sexual contact at least once, and 15% of these sexually active teenagers admit to
having slept with four or more people. Despite some sexual education being taught in the classroom,
nearly 40% of sexually active high school students did not use contraception during their sexual
encounters. Teenagers have a substantially increased risk of developing sexually transmitted infections
when they don't utilize contraception, largely due to early sexual behavior, multiple sexual partners, and
the failure to use barrier protection.

Thirdly,Risk of Unplanned Pregnancies: Due to inconsistent or non-use of birth control or

Lastly,Risky Abortions: Many teenagers undergo risky abortions if they become pregnant due to a lack of
knowledge, misconceptions, and exaggerated concerns about the safety of birth control and other
contraceptive methods. A large proportion of teenage pregnancies induce abortion, with approximately
3.9 million of the 5.6 million induced abortions among teenagers worldwide reported as unsafe,
particularly in developing regions. Educating teenagers about the safety and effectiveness of
contraception can reduce the need for risky abortions and protect their physical and emotional well-being.

On the other hand,while proponents argue that comprehensive sex education is essential for students to
make informed decisions about their sexual health, opponents contend that these topics should be left to
parents to discuss within the family. They assert that introducing birth control and contraceptive education
in schools can infringe upon parental rights and values. The years of adolescence and emerging
adulthood are times of exploration and identity development, including sexual exploration. It is through the
joint efforts of parents, educators, and communities that adolescents gain knowledge regarding the risks
of sexual behavior. Schools should focus on academics and leave these sensitive matters to the
discretion of parents and guardians.

In conclusion, comprehensive sexual education for teenagers is imperative to address the lack of
knowledge, risky behaviors, unintended pregnancies, and unsafe abortions prevalent among this age
group. Providing access to education about birth control and other contraceptive methods is not only a
public health concern but also a matter of responsible parenting and community well-being. Striking a
balance between individual values and cultural diversity while addressing the pressing issues related to
sexual health is essential. The best approach should aim to provide comprehensive, evidence-based
information while allowing parents the flexibility to opt out or supplement the curriculum as they see fit to
address the unique needs and values of their children and communities. Teenagers deserve the
opportunity to make responsible and informed choices about their sexual health, and comprehensive
sexual education is a fundamental step in achieving this goal

References:

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