Lessons learned at one Alaskan high school

Gary Jacobsen
Published: September 16, 2008

Memorandum to

instructional staff

FROM: Principal, Wasilla High School

TO: All instructional staff

SUBJ: Revisions to Health and Human Relations instructional module

For years, statistics have shown that the federally subsidized “abstinence-only” educational programs in the nation’s high schools simply don’t work. We discovered that here in Wasilla with the now-famous Palin-Johnston situation.

To try to head off additional teen pregnancies, Wasilla High School will continue to encourage sexual abstinence, but we will expand the Health and Human Relations instructional module to include
comprehensive information on the following family planning aids:

· Condoms. Latex condoms are readily available at modest cost in all drug stores and most supermarkets. They can be purchased by minors. Condoms are the only contraceptives that not only prevent
pregnancies, but also head off HIV/AIDS infections and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

· Birth control pills. Available since 1960, birth control pills have been used safely by millions of women to prevent unwanted pregnancies. The effectiveness rate varies from 92 to 99 percent. They are
available by prescription only.

· Plan B. Sometimes called the “morning after pill,” Plan B consists of progestin pills that must be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex or sexual assault. Plan B is FDA-approved, and it may be
purchased at most pharmacies by persons over 18 years of age. It is 89 percent effective in preventing unwanted pregnancies.

· Depo-Provera. This contraceptive, 99 percent effective, consists of an injection of synthetic progesterone every 3 months. It is safe, reversible and available by prescription only.

· Norplant. Six small capsules containing synthetic hormones are inserted under the skin in the area of the upper arm. It is 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy for up to 5 years. It is safe,
reversible and available by prescription only.

· NuvaRing. A soft ring approximately 2 inches in diameter that continuously releases low doses of hormones in a woman, preventing pregnancy with 99 percent effectiveness. The ring is available by
prescription only, and it must be replaced monthly.

· “The Patch.” The contraceptive patch looks like a square Band-Aid. It is applied to the upper torso, abdomen, buttocks or upper arm. It works by released a low dose of estrogen and progestin hormones
through the skin, and it is 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy. The Patch is available by prescription only, and it must be replaced weekly.

· Spermicides. A spermicide is a birth control method that contains chemicals that stop sperm from moving. Spermicides are available in different forms, including creams, film, foams, gels, pills and
suppositories. It can be used alone, or it can be used with other birth control methods to make them more effective. It is always used with the diaphragm and cervical cap. Spermicides can be purchased
without a prescription at most pharmacies and supermarkets.

· Diaphragm. The diaphragm is a soft latex rubber cup that should be used with a spermicide. The diaphragm is fitted over the cervix, shortly before sexual activity. It must remain in place for 6 to 7 hours
after intercourse for 99 percent effectiveness in preventing pregnancy. A health care professional should be consulted before using the diaphragm.

At Wasilla High School, these birth-control methods will be taught in mixed-gender classes in grades 11 and 12. Parents can, of course, require that their teenagers “opt out” of the classes. In those few
cases, students will instead attend more general health education classes.

Gary Jacobsen lives in Woodbridge. Contact him at .