Utah does not want to be known as the sexually transmitted disease capital of the United States. However, we might just earn that distinction, since our rate of STD infections is increasing at nearly four times the national average. Passing House Bill 15 was a step in the right direction, and the Legislature should be commended for helping inform the public about STDs.

This is a first step, however, not the last. Much more needs to be done to educate the individuals most at risk for contracting STDs - young teenage girls. Let's bring Utah to the forefront and give our teens critical information so they can protect themselves and avoid STDs. We can trust them to make good decisions, but they need to know what their choices are, the consequences of these choices and who to turn to for help.

If they truly understand the potentially severe consequences of having unsafe sex, they might just remain abstinent.

Christine Hill

Midvale