Sexual and Reproductive Health Education in the Pacific: The Role of Family Life Education

Abstract

Young people have the right to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and education; yet Pacific Island countries continue to grapple with inadequate understanding of sexual and reproductive health education and provision. A lack of timely access to accurate information and resources, exacerbates the risks of unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, childbirth complications, and the transmission of sexually transmitted infections, including Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Introduced in the 1970s, Family Life Education is a school-based initiative aimed at supporting youth development and provides a curriculum for sexual and reproductive health education for young people. Since its introduction, questions regarding its suitability for the delivery of sexual and reproductive health education within the Pacific has been raised especially considering its impact beyond the school setting, including within the home and the wider community. This paper reviews the historical delivery of sexual and reproductive health education within the Family Life Education ethos in the Pacific and considers how it can be improved to better meet the needs of Pacific communities.