Sex and the Law - FAQs
Sex before marriage
Peel Public Health - Healthy Sexuality Program, together with individuals and community groups, helps to promote a sexually healthy community in Peel. The term "Healthy sexuality" refers not only to physical sexual activity. Healthy sexuality includes:
- positive communication
- the ability to discuss your feelings and values
- accepting and providing love and affection
- the ability to exercise your sexual rights - this may include complete abstinence
- positive self-image and self-respect
Making wise and informed choices, taking care of your reproductive health and accepting and expressing your sexual identity are all vital to staying sexually healthy throughout your life.
Access to condoms, reliable birth control methods, sexual health clinics and resources is important to assist in the reduction of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV/AIDS and unwanted pregnancy. Access to safer sex methods does not promote sexual activity.
Providing information regarding a variety of health related topics assists the residents of Peel to make informed decisions and healthy choices. Healthy sexuality is included in this vast array of health topics.
The role of Public Health is to provide information that enables individuals to make healthy decisions. Research shows that comprehensive sexuality education (that which focuses on abstinence as well as safer sex) is linked with youth delaying first sexual intercourse, and youth who do choose to be sexually active are more likely to practice safer sex.
Furthermore, with the increasing rates of STIs in youth aged 15-24 in Peel, Peel Public Health has a duty to address this issue by providing accurate sexual health information and resources. Healthy sexuality program services are mandated by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care under the Mandatory Programs and Services Guidelines.
