Levi Johnston, infamous for his association with former Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin’s daughter Bristol, and his now-girlfriend Sunny are expecting a child together and have informed the press that the pregnancy was unplanned. Instead of mocking Levi’s many adventures in contraceptive use (or lack thereof), let’s have a serious discussion about how to expand access and adherence to the various methods that are available to those who do not wish to become pregnant.
With all due respect to the late President Bingu, his death opened a rare window for reform Malawi, and golden opportunity – especially for Malawi’s women. Joyce Banda is a widely respected and heralded champion for women’s rights and health, and has never been shy to speak her mind about it.
Sometimes I wonder if we are not missing the larger picture. Perhaps instead of talking about preventing STDs and treating an illness, maybe we could talk in terms of promoting sexual health.
Sexual education and empowerment leads not only to responsible and respectful sexual behaviors and attitudes but also an increased access to effective preventative, screening, treatment, and support services that promote physical and sexual well-being. But we need integrated approaches and more connection to achieve our goals.
In recent weeks people who oppose Planned Parenthood and our mission to provide high-quality reproductive health care, have been conducting a secret, nationwide hoax campaign in an attempt to undermine women’s access to services. Now they are focused on spreading falsehoods about sex selection.
In this week's sexual health roundup: scientists use engineered stem-cells to attack HIV; California tests a new pill that prevents HIV infection when taken daily but some question how expensive it is; the CDC releases alarming data on cancers caused by HPV in women; and South Carolina lawmakers take steps to increase HPV vaccination among middle school students.