Sexuality

ARHP defines human sexuality as the interplay of gender, gender role, gender identity, sexual orientation, sexual preference, and social norms as they effect physical, emotional, and spiritual life.

ARHP supports an individual's decision to abstain from sexual activity, and supports sexuality education curricula that includes abstinence as one of several options to protect oneself against STDs and unintended pregnancy.

Parents should serve as a primary source of sexuality information for their children. ARHP encourages parents to initiate discussions of sexuality with their children, and encourages parents to learn more about positive and productive ways to discuss sexuality with their children.

Health care providers should serve as a primary source of sexuality information for adults, teens, and children, and should initiate confidential discussions of sexuality with their patients.

Clinicians should not be limited in the type of advice they provide women and men in the area of reproductive health. Women and men should receive information on all reproductive health options available to both genders.