A group of 18 organizations that were brought together by former Surgeon General David Satcher on Thursday released a report that defines sexual health and provides best practices for sexual health research, the Columbia State reports (Columbia State, 5/19). Satcher as surgeon general in June 2001 released a report promoting an open discussion about sexuality with teens and calling on parents, schools and communities to provide youths with "thorough and medically accurate sex education" to prevent unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 6/29/01). Satcher about two years ago invited the groups -- which include the Guttmacher Institute, the Medical Institute for Sexual Health, the Institute for Youth Development, the National Minority AIDS Council, the Black Women's Health Imperative, the National Organization for Women, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States -- to try to reach agreements on sexual health and sex education (Wetzstein, Washington Times, 5/19).

Findings, Reaction
The report defines sexual health as a "state of physical, emotional, mental, spiritual and social well-being related to one's sexual activities." In addition, the report agrees that researchers should study the content of sex education programs based in schools; the efficacy of sexual abstinence; any connections between sexual health and violence; the effectiveness of condoms in preventing transmission of HIV and other STIs; nationwide trends in sexual behavior among heterosexuals, homosexuals and bisexuals; and the impact of religion on sexual practices (Columbia State, 5/19). The groups were not able to reach agreements on the definitions of sexual abstinence, sexual orientation and what constitutes "responsible sexual behavior," the Times reports. Satcher, interim president of Morehouse School of Medicine, said, "We feel that America needs to talk more about sex and sexual health, especially in a mature, respectful and honest fashion" (Washington Times, 5/19).