My husband and I have a close relationship with our two boys. We talk openly about everything, including difficult subjects like sex. I have confidence that they listen and respect our family's values. But no matter how open we are, we are not health professionals, nor do we regularly read the newest medical studies. So how can we provide accurate scientific information about sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy? Sure, we can explain how a baby is made, but information like the efficacy of different birth control methods or how certain diseases affect their bodies is beyond our expertise.

We want our sons to have this information and the education system is not providing it, so I hope our Legislature will allow parents to choose a comprehensive sex education course for their kids. While the new PTA classes for parents are a great idea, I don't see them making the impact a trained health teacher would have in the classroom. Some parents may be concerned about such a class, and they should be able to choose not to put their kids in it. As for the rest of us who want this information, please, don't leave us out.

Jennifer Webster

Holladay