With the recent American Supreme Court debate about whether or not to criminalize abortion and overturn Roe v. Wade, it?s likely kids will overhear the word ?abortion? at some point and ask what it means. Whether it?s on the news, TV, radio or overhearing discussions by adults in their sphere, children are often fascinated by anything they sense provokes strong emotions. And while the thought of a child asking about abortion may make some cringe, scientific evidence has proven factual and honest sexual education is critical to healthy physical, mental and emotional development in children. Answering kids? sexuality and reproduction questions with age-appropriate, non-judgemental, accurate answers is an important way to build safety, trust and connection with them. Discuss the basics of body parts, reproduction and consent
The Ontario government states children as young as two years old are ready to discuss simple topics like correct names for body parts. Frédérique Chabot, Director of Health Promotion at Ottawa-based Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights, cautions that discussing abortion can?t be a standalone conversation; it requires prep work in prior discussions that build a foundation of a child?s understanding and autonomy of their own bodies, personal choice-based consent, and reproduction.
“Consent in particular helps kids apply those understandings to abortion. We get to decide what feels comfortable for our own bodies and what we say yes or no to,...