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Page last updated on:
April 15, 2011 |
Guidelines for
Submitting of Agencies and Resources
That Provide Treatment
Services, Programs and Education
Related to Sexual and
Reproductive Health in the Province of Alberta
teachingsexualhealth.ca posts
information on only those agencies that provide comprehensive, accessible
and professional services. In accordance with this philosophy, we ask that
you review our Guiding Principles for Sexual Health Education, and ensure
that the agencies or resources that you are asking us to post services on
the website that are consistent with these beliefs.
Guiding Principles for Sexual Health Education
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Effective sexual health education emphasizes the shared responsibility of parents, schools and the community. The individual's personal, family, religious and social values are integral in understanding and making decisions about sexual behaviour.
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We believe that sexual health education honours the self-worth and dignity of the individual and does not discriminate against race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethno-cultural background or disability.
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Education in sexual health needs to be structured so that attitudinal and behavioural changes arise out of informed choice. Effective sexual health education encompasses a lifespan approach, providing information, motivational support and skill-building opportunities that are relevant to people at different ages and stages in their lives.
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Sexual health education instills awareness of the impact of one's own behaviour on others, stressing that sexual health is an interactive process that requires respect for the self and others.
Source:
Canadian Guidelines for Sexual Health Education, Health Canada, 2008.
COMPREHENSIVE SEXUALITY EDUCATION
Comprehensive sexuality education:
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Teaches that
sexuality is a natural, normal, and healthy part of life.
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Teaches that
abstinence from sexual intercourse is the most effective method of preventing unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STI) including HIV.
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Offers students the opportunity to explore and define their individual values as well as the values of their families and communities.
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Includes a wide variety of sexuality related topics such as human development, relationships, interpersonal skills, sexual health and society and culture.
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Includes accurate, actual information on abortion, masturbation and sexual orientation.
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Provides positive messages about sexuality and sexual behavior, including the benefits f abstinence.
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Teaches that the proper use of latex condoms, along with water-based lubricants, can significantly reduce, but not eliminate the risk of unintended pregnancy and STI, including HIV.
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Teaches that
consistent use of contraception can greatly reduce a couple's risk for unintended pregnancy.
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Includes accurate medical information about STI and teaches that individuals can avoid STI.
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Teaches that
religious values can play an important role in an individual's decisions about sexual behavior; offers students the opportunity to explore their own and their family's religious values.
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Teaches that a women faced with an unintended pregnancy has options: carrying the pregnancy to term and raising the baby, carrying the pregnancy to term and placing the baby for adoption; or ending the pregnancy with an abortion.
Adapted from "Toward a Sexually Healthy
America". Advocates for Youth and Sexuality Information and Education
Council of the United States (SIECUS), 2001.
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