Comprehensive Sexuality Education: Interdisciplinary Approaches for Health and Human Rights
Edition: 1
Copyright: 2025
Pages: 150
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Comprehensive Sexuality Education: Interdisciplinary Approaches for Health and Human Rights, explores Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) as a tool for advancing public health and human rights globally, tracing its evolution from fear-based approaches focused narrowly on preventing unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections to the rights-affirming, evidence-based framework it represents today.
This textbook is intended for use by undergraduate and graduate students across a range of disciplines, including but not limited to public health, medical sciences, psychology, sociology, anthropology, political science, education, pedagogy, and others. It invites learners to engage with the complexities of CSE through multiple lenses. University professors will find relevant information to enrich and deepen their global health and social science courses, while community organizations can draw on good practices for delivering impactful programs to youth and individuals at all stages of life. By exploring what CSE is, and what is not, pointing toward important questions, and identifying areas for future research, this book invites readers to reflect and improve practices in health education. This book represents the combined perspective of the authors, practitioners and researchers, who observed the profound impact that CSE has had empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their sexual health and advancing gender equity and human rights on a broader scale.
Acknowledgments
Acronyms and Abbreviations
Definitions
MODULE 1
Foundations of Comprehensive Sexuality Education and Related Concepts
Prologue
Takeaways
Why Was This Textbook Written?
References
CHAPTER 1
What Is Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE)?
Takeaways
What Is Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE)?
Overcoming the Fear and Lessons of Sexuality Education: A Personal Journey
CASE STUDY: Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in the Netherlands
References
CHAPTER 2
History of Sexuality Education and Related Global Health Policies
Takeaways
Foundations of Sexuality Education: The Social Hygiene Movement and Eugenics
Sexuality Education in United States Schools
Current CSE Standards
US Presidents and Sexuality Related Policies, 1981 to 2021
Aspiring Current CSE Standards: Liberatory Practices
References
MODULE 2
Implementation, Evaluation, and Future Research Agenda of Comprehensive Sexuality Education
CHAPTER 3
How to Implement CSE
Takeaways
Looking Back
Implementation Guidance
Enhancing CSE Impact: Key Approaches for Effective Implementation
Limited Only By Our Imaginations: CSE in Many Settings
CASE STUDY: Peer Education in the GUSO Program
References
CHAPTER 4
CSE and Contraception
Takeaways
About Contraception and Pregnancy Rates
Looking Back: An Overview of Contraception Over Time
How Does CSE Address Contraception?
CASE STUDY: The Contraceptive CHOICE Project
References
CHAPTER 5
CSE, Unintended Pregnancy, and Abortion
Takeaways
About Unintended Pregnancy
About Abortion
Looking Back: Abortion in Historical Context
How Does CSE Address Unintended Pregnancy and Abortion?
CASE STUDY: Abortion Education in UK Schools
References
CHAPTER 6
CSE and HIV
Takeaways
About HIV
Looking Back: How Has the HIV/AIDS Pandemic Historically Impacted Sexuality Education?
A Close Look at PEPFAR
How Does CSE Address HIV/AIDS?
CASE STUDY: Preventing HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Thailand
References
CHAPTER 7
CSE and Sexual and Gender Diversity
Takeaways
About Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Sex Characteristics
Looking Back: Sexual and Gender Diversity in Sexuality Education
CSE Approach to Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
CASE STUDY: LGBTQI+ Inclusivity Strategies in High School Sexual Health Education Curriculum
References
CHAPTER 8
CSE and Gender-Based Violence
Takeaways
About Gender-Based Violence
How GBV Relates to SRH Outcomes
Looking Back
CSE Approach to GBV
Case Study: Prevention of GBV Through CSE: A Study in Mexico City
References
CHAPTER 9
CSE Measurement and Evaluation
Takeaways
About CSE Measurement and Evaluation
CSE in the Context of Global Policies
CSE and the Sustainable Development Goals
How CSE Contributes to Human Rights Outcomes
How CSE Contributes to Public Health
Foundational Concepts to Measurement and Evaluation
How Is CSE Effectiveness Measured?
A Research Agenda for CSE
Case Study: SETARA Implementation and Delivery Environment in Indonesia
References
CHAPTER 10
Conclusion
The CSE Journey
Relevance to Your Future Career
Next Steps for Those Passionate About CSE
CSE’s Ongoing Relevance
Sonia K. González, DrPH has a public health career spanning more than 25 years in the non-profit, philanthropy, higher education, and social impact sectors. Dr. González is currently an Assistant Professor of Instruction and serves as Director of the Public Health Program at The University of Texas at Austin.
Marissa Billowitz is a consultant with extensive experience in human rights program design and implementation, qualitative research, and evaluation, with a focus on gender, sexuality, youth engagement, and organizational effectiveness. Marissa holds a Master’s degree in Latin American and Caribbean Studies from New York University.
Mariana Cruz Murueta is a member of the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS) CSE Committee and an education specialist experienced in CSE research, curriculum development, and program implementation. She supports Ministries of Education in Latin America and the Caribbean in creating and delivering CSE programs for digital and in-person settings.
Joanne Navales is a public health researcher and technology professional with expertise in program evaluation, health education, and community-based health interventions. Joanne has worked across academic research and healthcare systems, applying human-centered design and health information technology to promote health equity and improve care delivery.
Gabrielle Antuna is a public health professional with extensive experience in sexual health nonprofits, healthcare, and research. Gabi’s work applies comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) principles to promote equity and inclusive care. Currently enrolled in the Harvard Premedical Program, Gabi is pursuing a career as a Physician Assistant (PA) specializing in LGBTQIA+ healthcare.