Teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases rates are unacceptably high.

Unfortunately, anti-choice politicians and groups made this problem worse. Instead of making sure that young people get the facts, they support failed "abstinence-only" programs.

"Abstinence-only" programs censor life-saving information about birth control from young people, and many include blatantly false and inaccurate information.

NARAL Pro-Choice America has teamed up with our allies to put an end to ineffective "abstinence-only" programs and support comprehensive sex education in schools.

Working with Advocates for Youth, Choice USA, Law Students for Reproductive Justice, Planned Parenthood, SIECUS, Sierra Club, and Spiritual Youth for Reproductive Freedom, we are shining a spotlight on sex education in October 2009.

Get Involved!

There are so many ways you can support sex education this month:

• Sign our petition to Congress: Sign our petition urging your members of Congress to cosponsor legislation in support of sex education.
  
  
• Share our petition: Print our petition and collect signatures.
  
  
• Write a letter to the editor: Writing a letter is a great way to respond to the curriculum that is taught in your district or news about teen-pregnancy and STD rates.

We encourage college students and student leaders to ask your women's center or student group to take actions like these (and take photos to show your great work):

• Tabling: Setting up an information table is a great way to educate your peers, collect petition signatures, recruit new members, or publicize your upcoming events.
  
  
• Online activism: Use your Facebook page or group, MySpace, or Twitter to keep your organization engaged and updated. Share articles, post photos from all of your activities, send updates about meetings, and invite students to comment and share with their friends.
  
  
• Chalking/Flyering: If your campus permits, chalking sidewalks or posting flyers is a great way to educate students about the teen-health crisis, ways to stay safe, and what your group is doing. Consider posting signs in a sequence that spell out a message about sex education in a prominent spot on campus. For example: Did you learn the facts about sex in high school? Help others get real sex education!
  
  
• Dorm or house parties: Throw a house party to raise awareness about sex education and create a dialogue about the issue (consider making it a fundraiser).
  
  
• Campus media: See if your college radio television or radio station or newspaper will interview you or write an opinion editorial (OpEd).

If your student group holds an activity, let us know by contacting Becca Guerra.

Thanks for getting involved. Together, we can let elected officials know that young adults need to learn the facts about sex to stay safe and make healthy decisions for their entire lives.