For several years, I’ve committed myself to educating families about puberty, empowering children as they transition into their teenage years. On The Puberty Podcast, my co-host, Dr. Alex Smith, and I engage with thousands of adults weekly about the ups and downs of raising tweens and teens. This journey is filled with increasingly nuanced discussions as children grow.
In our puberty workshops, we explain the biological processes of ovulation and menstruation, detailing the path of an egg from the ovary through the fallopian tubes to the uterus. We clarify that, while most months the egg does not result in a pregnancy and a person has their period, sometimes a baby can develop. We always reassure kids: “You never have to have a baby if you don’t want to.”
In a post-Roe v. Wade world, I am uncertain if that statement holds true anymore.
With the Supreme Court’s recent 6-3 ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, Roe v. Wade has been effectively overturned, ending the legal right to abortion that has been in place since 1973. This decision comes despite the fact that more than two-thirds of Americans support upholding Roe. My generation took reproductive rights, including access to contraception and the morning-after pill, for granted. Unfortunately, the generations prior to us fought hard for these rights, and now, future generations may face significant setbacks.
During my college years, when my partner and I experienced a broken condom, we made our way to the campus health center to obtain the morning-after pill. The nurse explained the potential side effects, provided the dosage, and sent us on our way. The most challenging part was the few hours spent feeling unwell as the hormones worked to prevent pregnancy.
We were aware of the morning-after pill due to comprehensive sex education in the 1990s, which emphasized safe sex practices—partially to avoid pregnancy but mainly to prevent HIV, which was a significant concern at the time. The risk of HIV was prioritized in sex education because while pregnancy could be addressed after the fact, HIV was a lifelong condition.
Today, the focus of sex education may shift once more, especially since many states are likely to see a rollback of reproductive rights. It’s vital to rethink how we discuss these topics with kids in light of these changes. Although those of us in more liberal states might feel reassured that abortion remains legal, the reality of a fragmented landscape of reproductive rights necessitates urgent conversations about sex education. What should we be telling our children about sexuality in a post-Roe environment?
Here are a few essential principles to keep in mind:
- Maintain Open Communication: It’s crucial to talk with kids about their bodies, changes they experience, and how to stay safe. Establishing this communication early ensures they know they can approach you with questions, especially as they transition into their teenage years.
- Educate Them About Sex: Numerous studies indicate that teens who receive comprehensive sex education are more likely to engage in safer practices. As parents, it’s essential to understand what is being taught in schools about sex education, as there’s often a need for additional conversations at home about pregnancy prevention and consent.
- Consider Their College Location: While I previously believed it didn’t matter where my children attended college, I now realize that the state in which their college is located is critical. It’s my responsibility to ensure they understand the reproductive rights in that area and what resources are available at their campus health center. I want my kids to have access to the same reproductive health resources I had.
- Approach the Topic Gently: It can be difficult to accept that your child will eventually engage in sexual activity. If you suspect they are becoming sexually active, approach the conversation in a nonjudgmental manner. Instead of asking, “Are you having sex?” consider saying, “I want to talk about some things to help you stay healthy and safe in your relationship.” This opens the door for honest dialogue and ensures they feel comfortable coming to you for help, especially if abortion becomes illegal in many states.
While the core practices for discussing sex with kids will remain largely unchanged in a post-Roe world—such as keeping communication open and not solely relying on schools—there will be new legal and logistical aspects to consider. Teens and young adults will need guidance navigating this evolving reality, and we must be their trusted allies.
For further insights on reproductive rights and family planning options, you can explore this excellent resource: Resolve.
To learn more about navigating home insemination, check out this blog post. Additionally, for those seeking expert advice, Intracervical Insemination is a great authority on the subject.
In summary, as we navigate these complex discussions with our children, we must remain proactive, informed, and supportive, ensuring they know they can always come to us for guidance.