Breaking the Taboo, Talking about Youth Sexual Health
by Kele Redmond, Youth Sexual Health (YSH) Project Coordinator

When researching the sexual health of our youth population, Prince Edward Island didn't shape up so well. In Canada, the rates of teen pregnancy are higher than in many developed counties. Currently, over 45,000 young women aged 15-19 become pregnant each year. It is estimated that 3/4 of pregnancies among young women are unplanned. We are also told that over 60% of Canadian youth under 19 have had sexual intercourse.

In the Atlantic region, a study in April of 1999, found that Adolescents in the Atlantic provinces have a high level of unprotected sexual activity, placing them at risk for sexually transmitted infections (STI's), including HIV, and unintended pregnancies. It also proved a distinct gap in sexual health services exists for Atlantic Canada in general, and PEI, in particular. The factors contributing to this dour distinction point to economic conditions and the very nature of our rural geography.

Might seem confusing for us born and bred Islanders. As someone who grew up in "the country" I have always felt fortunate to know my community, especially across generations. It was heartwarming to grow up in a community rich from years family ties, both your own and your neighbors'. Though rightly so, within this nest of security, as the study suggests, it was hard to talk about sex in the community or in school. Even when a young girl at the age of 14 became pregnant, we didn't talk about how or why or what she was going to do, but how bad she was and what about her parents? What sort were they? This left me and my friends feeling guilty and confused. By the time we were 14, we'd long since been sneaking kisses and had discovered sensations our bodies could produce that didn't even need anyone else. What did that mean about us? How were we supposed to feel? Talking to an adult that you felt close to only seemed to risk being exposed, who didn't associate with your parents? The threat of be talked about in the same light as the unfortunate "bad girl" could led to becoming an out-cast. It was overwhelming and yes, isolating.

Interestingly in families and communities that introduce young children to age-appropriate sexuality education, several studies have found they grow up choosing to postpone sexual involvement until they are older. Although this subject coaxes a strong emotional response and the many varied values influence perspectives, we must realize talking with our youth and educating them, will not increase sexual activity or pregnancies or sexually transmitted infections. The purpose of sexual health education is to enhance the well being and confidence of youth so that they can make the right decisions, according to their personal ethic, about their sexuality and behavior.

As we launch Phase II of the Youth Sexual Health Project, across PEI, it is encouraging to welcome representatives from government, community based organizations, the medical profession and especially youth and parents to our Steering Committee. We plan to expand our voice and belief across the Island of the supports needed for youth to develop healthily sexually. Fortunately, from work in our research phase during 2000-2001, we know there are resources ready for implementation. Our voices are needed to affect change, policy changes; and attitudes which in the past, have separated people, creating barriers. We are working towards creating agreement in the need to respect individual ethics while not restricting the right of youths' sexual health. It is an investment in life long wellness.