The Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS) has released the latest edition of the SIECUS State Profiles: A Portrait of Sexuality Education in the States. This fiscal year (FY) 2016 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 SIECUS State Profiles demonstrate some progress in moving away from the failed approach of abstinence-only-until-marriage (AOUM) programs toward evidence-informed and medically accurate sexual health programs, particularly at the state and local levels, it demonstrates the importance of continued advocacy for adolescent sexual health promotion—including advances for comprehensive sexuality education and opposition to AOUM programs—at the federal level as well.
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 and behaviors data; and
- State-by-state information on recipients of federal funding and how it is being used in communities.
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 SIECUS.
