Teenage Sex is “inherently harmful”

According to an Associated Press report, a federal appeals court has lifted a ban on a Kansas law that requires health care providers to report consensual sex to authorities.

The law, which was introduced in 2003 by noted anti-choice Attorney General Phill Kline, requires health care providers to report knowledge of anyone under the age of sixteen engaging in sexual behaviors, on the grounds that any sexual activity constitutes sexual abuse. Kline, who doesn't seem to hold any degrees in health or sexuality (and who apparently never "played doctor" as a child) argues that any sexual activities between people under 16 are illegal, non-consensual, and "inherently harmful".

If the law stands (and if they figure out a way to enforce it) could have massive and horrendous sexual health consequences for youth, who may no longer be able to safely access sexual health information. Even if it isn’t enforced, it sends a chilling message to youth who may be trying to seek out accurate sexual health information or support in making sexual decisions.

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2002 found that 59 percent of sexually active teen girls said they would stop seeking reproductive health assistance if they knew their parents would be notified.

The recent ruling lifts a preliminary injunction and now the case goes back to federal court for trial.

ABC News - Court Lifts Ban on Kansas Underage Sex Law

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