Adolescent Contraception and Sexual Health Education: Encouraging Utah Policy Change

Teen pregnancy rates in the United States are among the highest of all industrialized nations, largely due to insufficient access to contraception and inadequate comprehensive sex education. Specifically in the state of Utah, parental consent requirements and an abstinence-only approach to sex education create difficulties for the sexually active adolescent population. A thorough analysis of medical publications, policies, and legislation was performed to assess the potential health ramifications of denying these resources. Results confirm that comprehensive sex education and access to contraception does not promote sexual activity, but in fact decreases unwanted pregnancy rates. The literature review findings further reinforce the need to change current Utah laws. In addition to legislative adjustments, other recommendations include promoting adolescent independence through confidential discussions during preventative exams, normalizing discussion of sexual health topics though use of HEEADSSS assessment tool (Paediatric FOAMed, 2018), and providing educational literature at appointments to encourage teens to become their own health advocates.