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Why Sexual and Reproductive Health is a Priority to Foster Youth

Dan Thorne • Sep 16, 2021

When youths turn the corner of adolescence, physically and emotionally they start the path toward relationships and sexual health. How prepared they are to have discussions about these topics depends on many factors. According to the World Health Organization, “Sexuality is influenced by the interaction of biological, psychological, social, economic, political, cultural, legal, historical, religious and spiritual factors.” 

 

For most youths, their families and surroundings guide their conversations about sexuality and reproductive health. But for foster youth, barriers exist to these communications. Due to experienced trauma, multiple placements, and lack of consistent adults in their lives, these youths don’t have the same discussions as other youths. 

 

Here are some reasons why sexual and reproductive health are priorities to foster youth:

 

1.    Pregnancy. In a report by Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago, 71% of foster females experienced pregnancy by their 21st birthday, compared to 34% of non-foster females. 49% of foster males indicated they had gotten someone pregnant by age 21 vs. 19% non-foster males. Putting youths in the position of early pregnancy creates significant stress for the expectant mother, making life decisions at an early age of keeping a child, abortion, or giving the child up for adoption.

2.    Unintended Pregnancy. The same Chapin Hall report indicated that, of the foster youths that experienced pregnancy, 70% of foster females and 66.3% of foster males stated the pregnancy was not intentional. This shows that many foster youths have irrational beliefs that, “It can’t happen to me,” or lack the knowledge and resources for birth control. 

3.    Sexually Transmitted Infections. According to several reports for the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), by the time they are 26, 44% of foster females contract sexually transmitted infections (STIs) vs. 23% of non-foster females, and 18% of foster males contract STIs vs. 11% of non-foster males. Foster youths who are sexually active are not aware of the infections that can occur and how to protect themselves.



Communicating to foster youths about sexual health is not an easy chore. Because of their family and cultural backgrounds, discussing sex may be taboo or bring shame to them. Moreover, youths with trauma, especially sexual abuse may be triggered by the discussion of sex. Staff working with foster youths need to work in concert with caregivers and the youths in providing them information, resources, and guidance. Helping youths develop a healthy understanding of relationships, love, and consent increases protective factors to reduce violence and further abuse.


Praxes provides a course on Sexual and Reproductive Health. For more information, please contact us. 


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