Thus the ultimate task of any program for young people is to help change this situation. Making this change requires advocacy on behalf of young adults—advocacy for a new understanding, throughout the community, of the world in which young people live, the pressures and decisions that they face, the biological and social process of becoming sexually active, and the ways that organized efforts can best help young people. Changing the situation also requires advocacy for more responsible adult behavior—advocacy for an end to the double standard concerning sexual behavior that adults often apply to boys and girls, advocacy for prevention and punishment of sexual abuse, and advocacy for responsible, rather than irresponsible, depiction and discussion of sex and sexuality in the mass media.

Where social attitudes have changed and adults are willing to face the issues, fertility, STD, and abortion rates among young people are low. A study of 37 developed countries found that these rates were lowest in the northern European countries that provide young people with good access to contraceptive information and services (164, 374, 455) (see Chapter 3.3, European Youth Programs and Social Norms).

To change social norms, advocacy to youth also is needed. Programs need to reach out to young people to help them learn a healthy approach to sexuality. FLE programs in some European countries stress responsibility in sexual behavior and encourage young people to postpone sexual intercourse at least until they have developed a longstanding friendship with their partner (93, 295, 297).

Each society must design its own response to the reproductive health needs of young adults. Ignoring the problems will not make them disappear. Indeed, STD rates have risen and pregnancies among young women are more likely to occur outside marriage in many countries despite public concern and condemnation of these trends. Through advocacy, reproductive health programs can help communities start addressing the various needs of young adults.

As a program begins, develops, and becomes established, its role as an advocate changes. At the start, the controversy that often surrounds a new program can offer an early opportunity to encourage new thinking. As the program develops, keeping the community aware of positive changes and success stories helps allay fears. Working with parents, community leaders, and organizations such as churches, schools, and other service groups builds mutual confidence and understanding. Eventually, with effort and persis- tence, a program can become a respected voice in the community, speaking with authority on behalf of young adults.