Sex Education in America: How Your Zip Code and State Politics Shape What Students Learn

Reported by Nadra Nittle.

Where a student lives — and the politics of that state — increasingly determine whether they receive inclusive, medically accurate sex education. Advocates warn that growing legislative attacks, censorship efforts and uneven policies leave young people misinformed and at greater risk of unintended pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections and stigma.

The human consequences

Faith Fluker, a senior at Auburn University who volunteers with Advocates for Youth, recalls her 14‑year‑old cousin’s pregnancy last year. The cousin lacked transportation to obtain an abortion and could not access contraception; the pregnancy interrupted her education and contributed to depression and social stigma in a small town where sex is rarely discussed openly.

National trends and policy pressures

New research from SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change tracked more than 650 bills in state legislatures this year and found that roughly 25 percent aimed to limit access to comprehensive sex education — a 35 percent increase from the previous year. SIECUS links much of the surge to political pressure tied to Project 2025, a policy blueprint associated with conservative national groups.

SIECUS’s 2025 State Report Cards show a patchwork across the country. Only Washington, D.C., and six states — California, Illinois, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island and Washington — earned A‑range grades for policies SIECUS calls comprehensive, medically accurate and LGBTQ+ inclusive. More than a quarter of states received failing grades.

“Sex education has long been at the forefront of battles within education,” said Alison Macklin, director of public affairs at SIECUS. “Opponents are increasingly chipping away at specific components, especially LGBTQ+ inclusion and transgender youth protections.”

Examples from classrooms and campuses

Many students report gaps in their instruction. Alfred Vivar Muñoz, a UNLV political science major and youth activist, said his high school covered anatomy and STIs only superficially and left out contraceptives and healthy relationships. Nevada received a C+ in the SIECUS report: sex ed and evidence‑based HIV instruction are required, but sexual orientation and gender identity are not, and parents must provide written consent for students to enroll.

In Oregon — one of the top‑rated states — students like high school junior Nicole Reksopuro appreciated early, inclusive courses that covered menstruation and relationships, though she wished for deeper guidance on personal hygiene and boundary‑setting. Advocates say even high‑scoring states often have gaps in teacher training and equity of access.

Censorship, controversial materials and federal pressure

Another trend: state laws requiring classroom viewings of anti‑abortion fetal‑development videos such as “Baby Olivia,” produced by Live Action. As of June, seven states had enacted mandates to show the video — sometimes to elementary school students — despite criticism from medical experts that it contains misleading claims and doctored imagery.

SIECUS also warns of federal and state pressures to remove what officials call “gender ideology” from educational materials. The Department of Health and Human Services has signaled potential funding threats to states that do not comply, a move that can discourage schools from offering inclusive, science‑based curricula.

“There’s a lot of fear and misinformation used,” Macklin said. “Opponents often tell parents their rights are being taken away, even though parental rights already exist in the education system.”

What comprehensive sex education offers

Advocates emphasize that comprehensive sex education goes far beyond intercourse. It teaches consent, boundary‑setting, healthy relationships, menstrual health and contraception — and reduces stigma for LGBTQ+ youth. Christopher Pepper, a sex educator and coauthor of Talk To Your Boys, stresses that boys too need accurate information about contraception and consent so responsibility is shared.

Legislators in some states are responding with measures to expand menstrual equity, mandate consent education and protect educators from censorship. Still, many activists continue pushing for better teacher training, easier access to contraception and stronger, consistent standards nationwide.

Why it matters

Policy choices now will shape whether young people grow up with the knowledge to protect their health and autonomy or face increased risk of coercion, infection and misinformation. As Macklin put it: “We wouldn’t let a teen drive without safety training; we should think of sexual health the same way.”