Most Orange County Latino Youths Sexually Active by Age 19, Planned Parenthood Survey Finds

Most Latino youths in Orange County are sexually active by age 19, according to a survey released last Thursday by Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties, the Orange County Register reports. Planned Parenthood OSBC surveyed 448 Orange County Latino youths between the ages of 13 and 19 on their sexual activity, access to birth control and exposure to sex education. The survey found that 85% of Latino youths in Orange County had engaged in sexual intercourse by age 19, and more than 50% were sexually active by age 16. In addition, the survey found that 66% of the youths surveyed could not name a location where they could receive free or low-cost contraceptives. The same percentage said that they would not visit a clinic that offered contraceptives because they "would be too embarrassed." Planned Parenthood OSBC President and CEO Jon Dunn said, "This just sort of paints a troubling picture and gives you an idea of the scope of the challenges that we have." The survey found that more than 80% of respondents said they had participated in no more than three sessions of sex education in school (Walker, Orange County Register, 5/3). Among those who attended sex education classes, 21.8% said that they decided not to have sex as a result, and 32.7% said that the classes prompted them to begin to use condoms (Mena, Los Angeles Times, 5/3).

Taking Action

Planned Parenthood OSBC plans to use the survey to help improve area sex education and family planning services for Latinos. The clinic plans to hire more bilingual staff members, recruit Latino peer educators and offer "culturally-sensitive" parent education classes to help Latino parents talk to their children about sex. Angel Martinez, an independent consultant who works with Planned Parenthood OSBC, also recommended comprehensive, age-appropriate sex education classes for children in kindergarten through grade 12 and "political changes" on school boards to allow the classes (Orange County Register, 5/3).

This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.