ommends using clinics that don’t require insurance, many of which offer free or reduced-price STI-testing and contraceptive services. Unfortunately, Duke says, there is a stigma around contraception and reproductive health, especially among females. Because of this, “some teens and also adult women may be engaging in sexual activity but do not feel comfortable admitting they are sexually active… [however], delay in seeking care can also lead to delayed recognition of pregnancy and delay in starting important prenatal care,” she said. “I think that the most ideal situation is when a teen and their parent/guardian feel comfortable talking about sexual health so that the teen is not alone in
seeking care,” agreed Hwang. “But if that communication is not possible despite everyone’s efforts, then I think it’s still important for teens to be able to get confidential care, compared to not
everyone waits], so we definitely want to protect health by having the right ‘tools’ in place to protect from infection and
getting any care at all.”
“Since national surveys show that around 20% of 15-year-old teens report that they have had sex, the education needs to start earlier than that!” Hwang added.
This stigma is perpetuated by the ongoing controversy surrounding sex education and the curriculum it promotes. While many people voice their concerns about incorporating topics of sexuality into the classroom, Duke argued that they are important discussions to be had. “Ideally, people will wait to have intercourse until they are in a mutually monogamous relationship AND mature emotionally and mentally, which comes with age,” she said. “However, [not
unintended pregnancy.”
Washington recently approved the controversial Referendum 90, a bill that requires public schools to implement age-appropriate and comprehensive sex education into the curriculum for all grades, starting in kindergarten. Additionally, beginning in the 2021-22 school year, schools will be required to incorporate discussions of consent and healthy relationships.
There are many forms of contraception, many of which serve other purposes as well. Graphic by Lauren Cook.
INKWELL | JANUARY 2021
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