Preteen Sexual Education In Massachusetts Essays Examples

According to the law in the state of Massachusetts, the decision to teach sexual education lies squarely with the boards of respective schools. It is not a requirement for schools in the State of Massachusetts to teach sexual education (NCSSE, 2009). This situation has led to a high prevalence of unwanted teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among teenagers both nationally and in the state.
The main purpose of writing this memo is to bring to your attention the resulting negative consequences of unwanted teen pregnancies and STDs. First, there has been an increase in rate of drop outs from school by pregnant teens (DeForge, 2013). Secondly, is that the cost of treating STDs is unwanted expense or burden to most families. In addition, teens experience depression and low self-esteem due to the pregnancies and STDs.
As a legislator elected by the people of Massachusetts, it is vital to take a decision to end the sad state of affairs. The health and education of teenagers is vital for development and for the future of the state of Massachusetts. This means that procrastination or a delay of action is detrimental to the current and future economic security of the state.
Recent statistics showed that the number of births from teenage pregnancies in 2009 was 4,538 (DeForge, 2013). In the subsequent year of 2010, the number stood at 3,907. In 2011 the teen births for girls between the ages of 15-19 was 15.4 births per 1000 girls (U.S Dept. HHS, 2014).

References

DeForge, J. (2013). Massachusetts Teen Pregnancy Rates Dropping, But Still High In
Holyoke, Springfield. Mass Live. Retrieved from http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2013/04/teen_pregnancy_rates_are_dropp
National Coalition to Support Sexuality Education (NCSSE). (2009). Massachusetts State
Profile. NCSSE. Retrieved from http://www.ncsse.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Page.ViewPage&PageID=1029
U.S Department of Human & Health Services. (2014). Massachusetts Adolescent
Reproductive Health Facts. Office of Adolescent Health. Retrieved from http://www.hhs.gov/ash/oah/adolescent-health-topics/reproductive-health/states/ma.html.