With abortion banned or severely limited in a growing number of states, we’d be wise to zero in on evidence-based strategies for preventing unwanted pregnancies — particularly among teenagers, for whom childbirth and parenthood can present extreme physical, emotional and financial challenges.
Unfortunately, one of the most time-tested, successful pregnancy prevention strategies — comprehensive sex education — remains frustratingly controversial in the United States.
In Indiana, which is moving to ban abortion at all stages of a pregnancy, lawmakers just rejected an amendment that would have broadened sex education in schools to include information about contraceptives, in addition to teaching students about abstinence.
