The Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS) just released the latest edition of the SIECUS State Profiles: A Portrait of Sexuality Education in the States. This fiscal year (FY) 2015 edition includes individual profiles for all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the outer United States territories.
While the State Profiles depict a continued gradual departure from abstinence-only-until-marriage programs toward evidence-informed and medically accurate sexual health programs, the work is far from over. America’s youth are still subject to programs that shame and stigmatize adolescent sexual health and new data available showcases the need to support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning (LGBTQ) students by providing LGBTQ-inclusive sexual health promotion programs.
The State Profiles highlight key statistics and include a federal funding overview, program summaries, and a state policy table. Take a look at your state’s profile to learn more about:
- Current laws and policies related to sexuality education;
- Adolescent sexual health data; and
- Information on the recipients and their use of federal funding.
If you have any questions or would like to offer suggestions on how the State Profiles can better help you advocate for comprehensive sexuality education and lifelong sexual health for all, contact Kristina Romines.