Carolyn Mackler

Students should receive a sex education that emphasizes a balanced and positive approach to sexuality and sexual behavior, maintains Carolyn Mackler in the following viewpoint. This approach, often referred to as comprehensive sex education, encourages students to delay having sex but also teaches them about human development, birth control, pregnancy, STD prevention, intimacy, and sexual pleasure. Mackler contends that the government-backed alternatives to comprehensive sex education—abstinence-only programs— generate fear of sexuality and leave students misinformed about contraceptive options, STDs, and other aspects of sexual behavior.

Comprehensive sex education, however, enables students to make responsible and healthy decisions regarding sexuality. Mackler is a contributing editor of the feminist magazine Ms.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to Mackler, what percentage of U.S. schoolchildren receive sex education similar to the program...