While sexual education programs receiving government funding have in the past focused on practicing safe sex, newly proposed guidelines by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention could broaden the programs' scope.
The CDC is currently discussing new guidelines which, when finalized, will cause HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted disease prevention and education programs to emphasize the benefits and risks accompanying the use of contraceptives.
Under the new guidelines, programs mentioning the use of condoms as a means to prevent infection from STDs must discuss the "effectiveness and lack of effectiveness" of contraceptives, according to Kathryn Harben, senior public affairs specialist at the CDC.
The new guidelines also emphasize mutually monogamous relationships as the most effective way besides abstinence to avoid STDs.
"CDC's position here is that the public needs to be aware of all of the information available on prevention of STDs, including HIV, and to take the steps that are best for them to protect themselves," Harben said. "The new guidelines do not emphasize abstinence over other prevention strategies."
The guidelines currently in place were set in 1992.
According to Harben, the decision to revise the guidelines was internal, and will take into account the growth of Internet usage and new public health laws. The guidelines will also take into consideration the accountability of the organizations receiving the funds, she said.
The new guidelines will examine the content of AIDS-related written materials and advertisements in CDC programs across the country, according to CDC's Web site.
Some students said sexual education programs should primarily provide education about safe sex and contraception with little on abstinence.
"People are going to engage in sexual activity no matter what, so they might as well be equipped with knowledge and the proper contraception so that when the time comes, they make the smart choice," said Eric Ness, a freshman in the College of Arts & Sciences.
Despite criticism of the new guidelines, some students said a program more focused on the consequences and risks of contraception would be acceptable.
"On Marquette's campus, because it is a Catholic university, a program which demonstrates the risks of contraception or a program which stresses abstinence is appropriate," said Dani Vachon, a freshman in the College of Business Administration. "But at other universities, a contraception-based program would also be all right."
Rebecca Ray, a program director for Healthy Futures, a sexual education program focusing on healthy relationships and self-respect, said an abstinence-based program would be a welcomed change by some sexually active students.
Abstinence-based programs "are absolutely relevant on a college campus," Ray said "Students should be taught to protect their emotions and heart, not just their bodies. Some of the most receptive students in our programs are those who have been sexually active and are looking for something new."
The CDC is no longer reviewing public comments and will finalize the new regulations later this year.