Good PSHE education helps to develop vital personal and social
skills, positive values, an understanding of equality and
diversity and the importance of individual rights and
responsibilities. PSHE education is not a magic bullet but where
it is done well in primary and secondary schools it is proven to
make a difference to young lives. Ultimately, the other thing
missing from the debate is that if all of us can agree that
preventing abortions when possible is a laudable aim then good
quality sex and relationships education as defined by the Sex
Education Forum and access to contraceptive services that
provide choice are absolutely vital. This lack of trust in young
people and their developing sexuality is perennial. The
persistent attacks on abortion provision have always
demonstrated a lack of faith in women's ability to make their
own reproductive choices. And public trust in professionals is
constantly undermined by insidious reporting on the sexual
health and education of children and young people.