Today, the Alabama Campaign for Adolescent Sexual Health (ACASH) announced its 2025 Youth-Led Policy Priorities, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing advocacy efforts. For the first time, ACASH developed its annual policy priorities in collaboration with its Youth Advisory Councils, made up of youth aged 14-24 who work with ACASH to gain leadership and advocacy skills.
The Youth Advisory Councils identified several issues facing Alabama youth they are most concerned about, including:
- Access to a full range of reproductive health options, including abortion
- Prioritizing comprehensive sex education in schools
- Mandating consent education in schools
- Teaching accurate and complete history, including Black history, racism, and white supremacy
- Addressing mental health and suicide prevention, including protecting all youth from harassment in schools
- Better protections for LGBTQ students in schools
These priorities reflect the urgent needs of young people in Alabama, a state with a near-total abortion ban, the highest maternal mortality rate in the country, and the 7th highest teen birth rate nationwide. Despite these alarming statistics, Alabama does not mandate sex education in schools, and some lawmakers are working to further roll back existing laws, potentially removing life-saving information about condoms and contraception.
“Our youth have told us what they need to learn to be successful and healthy adults,” said Christina Clark Okarmus, Executive Director of ACASH. “We hope that adults, especially lawmakers, will be advocates for youth and support these policy priorities in 2025.”
In addition to reproductive and sexual health, the Youth Advisory Councils also highlighted the need for: increased funding for the arts in schools, job training and financial literacy education, and improved safety from gun violence.
The 2025 Youth-Led Policy Priorities serve as a call to action for lawmakers, educators, parents and community leaders to prioritize the voices and needs of Alabama’s youth. By addressing these pressing issues, Alabama has the opportunity to create a brighter, healthier future for its young people.