The education of sexuality and reproduction, or (as we called it in high school) sex ed, is a controversial topic around the world. Discussions on how to teach sex ed can often get mired in a combination of politics and perceptions of morality. Which begs the question: how do politics and these perceptions affect public health policy?

In this episode of Big World, SIS professor Rachel Robinson joins us to discuss the similarities between the sex ed experiences of students in Mississippi and Nigeria (1:33). We examine the challenges and outcomes of implementing sex ed in these areas (3:32), and we learn about the current political conversations surrounding the topic, including the worldwide debate on comprehensive versus abstinence-only programs (6:41).

How does the global gag rule, which forces international NGOs to choose between receiving US funding or ending abortion services, affect women around the world? (10:21) We discuss the prevailing concern (both in the US and abroad) that sex ed makes young people more sexually active—despite substantial evidence that shows otherwise—and we learn what strategies are being used to dispel these fears (12:25) amid the obstacles faced by local organizations working in the space (15:27).

During our “Take Five” segment, we ask Robinson what five policies she would institute to positively influence reproductive health (8:09).