Birds, Bees, and Bad Policies: The State of Sex Ed in Arizona

Everyone knows that knowledge is power, but when it comes to reproductive rights, knowledge is also about protection. Education is supposed to prepare people for life, but when it comes to reproductive rights, some curricula are more focused on storks and less on actual research-based facts. Proper sex education equips young people with the tools they need to make informed decisions and understand their rights and options. Yet, elementary schools continue battling over what should be taught, creating a huge range of knowledge in classrooms across the country.

Sex education is supposed to prepare people for real-life situations—but in Arizona, it's more like buying a box of chocolates only to find half of them missing because the state decided you don't need those flavors. Comprehensive sex education—meaning a curriculum that covers contraception, consent, STI prevention, and healthy relationships—seems like it should be standard. Spoiler alert: It isn't. In Arizona, sex education is not mandated and is regulated through an opt-in policy, meaning parents must actively enroll their children in sex ed rather than it being the default. When it is offered, the curriculum is often focused on abstinence. Conversations about contraception are optional, promoting a monogamous relationship followed by marriage as the expected standard; it feels less like education and more like a 1950s sitcom.

And let's not forget the importance of culturally inclusive education. Even when sex education is available, it often ignores LGBTQ+ youth and fails to address how cultural beliefs and values shape conversations about reproductive health. A truly inclusive curriculum would consider different cultural perspectives on sexuality, relationships, and healthcare access while ensuring that all students—regardless of background—receive medically accurate, non-judgmental information. The lack of such education leads to increased risks and misunderstandings and leaves young people uninformed. If we can teach kids trigonometry (which none of us use on a daily basis), surely we can teach them about their bodies and rights in a way that respects diverse experiences while staying informative.

The consequences of inadequate sex education go beyond awkward memories of sitting in health class trying not to laugh as you're putting condoms on bananas. Ignorance creates misinformation, which leads to higher rates of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. It also fosters an environment that stigmatizes reproductive healthcare and conversations about it. Imagine trying to make informed healthcare decisions when your entire sex ed experience boiled down to vague warnings about 'waiting until you're older.'

In Arizona, Senate Bill 1457 (2021) further complicated access to reproductive healthcare by imposing restrictions on both education about abortion and the availability of services. The bill enforces waiting periods for abortion procedures, requires parental consent for minors, and restricts funding for reproductive services. This, combined with limited sex education, leaves younger generations less equipped to understand their rights and more vulnerable to unintended consequences.

Education shouldn't just be about passing tests—it should be about empowering individuals to make informed decisions. Comprehensive and inclusive education is a cornerstone of reproductive rights awareness and access.

If young people are supposed to be the changemakers, they need the right information to create that change. Without comprehensive education, they're left navigating adulthood without a map, making decisions without the knowledge they deserve. When it comes to reproductive rights, ignorance isn't just a gap in learning—it's a barrier to autonomy, safety, and justice.

Sources:

SB 1456: sex education instruction; parental rights. (n.d.). https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/55leg/1R/summary/H.SB1456_032221_CAUCUSCOW.pdf 

SB 1457. SB1457 - 552R - I ver. (n.d.). https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/55leg/2r/bills/sb1457p.htm 

State Sex Education Policies and Requirements at a Glance. Arizona. (n.d.). https://sexeducationcollaborative.org/states/arizona 

Wills, S. R. (2024, March 27). Why is it so difficult to teach sex-ed in Arizona?. Arizona Mirror. https://azmirror.com/2024/03/27/why-is-it-so-difficult-to-teach-sex-ed-in-arizona/