Jo Ann Wentzel

With so many different sex education programs, public service announcements, and television programs, it is difficult to believe that some teenagers do not have all the facts about sex and its possible consequences. In the following viewpoint, senior editor Jo Ann Wentzel describes some of the myths surrounding sexuality that teenagers have told her. She argues that unless teenagers are taught about sex, pregnancy, and sexually transmitted infections, they will continue to have unprotected sex and make babies before they are ready for the responsibility of parenthood. Wentzel is affiliated with Parenting Today’s Teen, an online publication dedicated to fostering better communication and relationships between teenagers and parents.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What are two myths about pregnancy told to Wentzel? 2. What are three reasons...