Sexual health education in the United States often revolves around abstinence-only or limited information approaches, instilling fear and disempowerment in students. In contrast, France’s approach is characterized by a broader, more empowering, and inclusive curriculum. In this talk, we examine the importance of offering a skills-based, comprehensive, inclusive, and legally mandated sexual health education in the United States, exploring how it can positively impact the well-being and decision-making skills of young people. Vivica E Lewis (she/her) is a fourth-year student studying sociology and global health studies at Northwestern University. She is also a master’s student with a concentration in community health research in the Program in Public Health at Feinberg School of Medicine. Vivica is currently a sexual health education intern in the Office of Student Health and Wellness for Chicago Public Schools. Vivica’s years of experience as a health educator and reproductive justice advocate inspired her to pursue her international research project, “Birth Control Bans to Contraceptive Care,” to understand past and present birth control policies that will impact our future. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

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