Morning Glory Press, 6595 San Haroldo Way, Buena Park, CA 90620-3748. 240p., bibliog., index. ISBN 1-885356-65-X, 1-885356-66-8pbk. $14.95pbk.
Evelyn Lerman. 2000.

This book deals "with the history and sociology of teen sexual behavior and the forces which seek to control it." It covers the topics of sexuality education/abstinence education; the role of religion; the role of the media; parents as sexuality educators; contraception, including abstinence; abortion; AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections; condoms in schools and other accessible locations; and effective strategies for preventing teen pregnancy and STDs. It compares the policies in the United States with those in Europe. "Finally, it will make recommendations promoting a new morality based on sexual respect, responsibility, and rights on the part of teens as well as on the part of the adults who must set the example for them."

If, as Lerman indicates, over 90 percent of marriages in the United States are not virginal marriages, how did the United States allow a small but vocal minority to influence public policy mandating abstinence until marriage for many federal-funded youth programs? This book will certainly open the eyes of anyone who reads it, and it should be read by everyone who has an interest in the well being of our teenagers. As Barbara Huberman of the Advocates for Youth states: "Is it not immoral to deny young people the information, skills, and services they need to become responsible, respectful sexual human beings? Is it not immoral to place their lives in jeopardy because they choose to have intimate sexual relations and don't know what they need to protect themselves and their partners? Is it not immoral of our society-our government-to value ignorance and fear-based tactics and to promote guilt and shame in order to try to control behavior? Is it not immoral to disenfranchise and disempower young people who could and would make wise and responsible decisions about sex because we are uncomfortable or see only our point of view?"

This is a small book full of advice and recommendations that make sense. It is balanced with views from all sides so that you can judge what is right for yourself, or at least what is right for you. The bottom line, however, is what is right for our teenagers. We owe them all the knowledge we have about having a healthy sex life and being able to protect themselves from pregnancy and disease. We have to stop being prudes, stop hiding behind "The Book," stop listening to the religious minority, and stop passing ridiculous laws that push our teenagers farther back into the dark age of understanding sex. This is a highly recommended book, especially for school and public libraries. It will make many people angry and some will request it be removed from the library shelves. The fact remains, however, that they are hurting our young people and making society spend more and more on the caring of unwanted children or treating the young people for diseases that could be prevented.

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