Organizational values

We believe that:

  1. Adolescent pregnancy and other issues related to adolescent sexual health affect all of us; addressing these issues is the responsibility of all of us as individuals, communities and the society at large.
  2. Sexuality is a natural and important lifelong aspect of the human experience, and developing and maintaining sexual health and healthy relationships are central to a healthy and productive life.
  3. Teen sexual behavior is complex and requires policies, programs and services that are responsive to needs and address multiple risk and protective factors.
  4. Parents and caregivers are important sexuality educators of their children who need information, resources and reassurance to support them in addressing sexual health with their children.
  5. Investing resources in young people and young parents supports the development of healthy families and strengthens communities.
  6. It is a matter of social justice to address the health disparities in pregnancy, sexually transmitted infection, and HIV among youth of color, low-income, and sexual minority youth.
  7. Youth have the right to: accurate and complete information; caring and knowledgeable adults; confidential, youth-centered reproductive/sexual health services; and approaches that respect cultural norms, values and beliefs.
  8. Effective policies, programs and services are factual, data-driven, evidence- based, developmentally appropriate, grounded in abstinence and comprehensive in scope.
  9. Collaboration and partnerships with individuals and organizations from diverse disciplines, backgrounds and interests are essential for the success of efforts to address adolescent sexual health.
  10. Young people are positive assets in their communities who have important perspectives and should be involved in shaping the policies and programs that affect their lives.
  11. Both male and female partners are equally responsible for making healthy decisions with respect to their sexual and reproductive health, including preventing pregnancy and supporting, nurturing and parenting their children.