CNS News | December 29, 2010
By Penny Starr

(CNSNews.com) – The Planned Parenthood Federation of America is signaling its intention to dominate the national sex education agenda.

Specifically, Planned Parenthood's Web site announced the group is preparing to launch a nationwide “social change initiative” to end the “stigma and shame about sex” in American culture.

The project aims to teach parents and caregivers how to educate children about sex -- from birth.  And it recommends telling teenagers about masturbation, oral sex and “where to go for help to prepare to be sexually active.”

The “Real Life. Real Talk” initiative began as a pilot program in communities in Maine, New York, Connecticut, and Arizona between 2004 and 2008, according to a report about the initiative that is for sale on the project’s Web site.

Now Planned Parenthood is preparing to launch the program nationwide, with funding from donors and private groups, including The Ford Foundation.

“Real Life. Real Talk" is based on the belief that reducing the shame and stigma attached to sex also reduces a barrier to sexual and reproductive health services, eventually reducing the rates of sexually transmitted infections, HIV/AIDS, and unintended pregnancies.

The initiative is geared to parents and caregivers of children aged 8 to 18. In the four pilot states, parents were invited to attend workshops where they received Planned Parenthood’s guide to “Sex Ed for Parents, Real Life. Real Talk." The events were held at different community venues, including schools, churches, social services facilities and libraries.

The "Real Life. Real Talk" guide, offered in English and Spanish, is tailored to specific groups of parents and caregivers, including grandparents raising their grandchildren, “queer parents,” and parents of children in elementary school.”

A "Parent Tips" section of the "Real Life. Real Talk" Web site says children are never too young to learn about sex. It  states, in part:

“A child’s sexuality, sexual feelings, and sexual attitudes develop from the moment of Birth -- even before a child can speak. In fact, children start learning about sexuality through observation of family interaction and surroundings. When you don’t talk with your children about sexuality, you may give them the message that there is something wrong with sexuality and that it is not a topic you’re willing to discuss.”

“You can begin teaching your young child the basics of sexuality — anatomy, reproduction, sexual orientation, personal safety, feelings, relationships — as well as your own values,” reads the document. “As children grow and mature, they will be more interested in details about pregnancy and birth, the changes of puberty, etc.”

Another section, entitled "Conversation Starters," tells parents to be “factual" and to "clear up slang” when answering questions. It offers examples of children's questions, including slang for female masturbation and oral sex.

One talk-to-your-child tip includes the following bulleted item: “Take your child to the drugstore and point out the pads, tampons, condoms, etc. Take your teen to a clinic for contraception and exams, or let your teen know where to go for help to prepare to be sexually active.”

The Web site’s “Teen Reality” tab includes videos, including a “Don’t Dance with Death” video written by high school students in McAllen, Texas. It features a “witch” giving young girls a potion and a condom before they go to a high school dance. One of the girls then gives the condom to the boy with whom she is dancing.

The report on "Real Life. Real Talk" says the initiative will be marketed nationwide through TV public service announcements, print ads, radio, posters, bus shelters and other promotional materials such as T-shirts.

According to its annual report for Fiscal Year 2008-2009, Planned Parenthood’s income from government grants and contracts totaled $363.2 million, up for $349.6 million for the previous fiscal year.