Opinion: Surgeon general's reality report

The Bush administration has tried its best to distance itself from Surgeon General David Satcher's report on human sexuality and sex education, which counsels parents, community leaders and educators to take an open, common-sense approach to discussing the subject. The wonder is why such a reasonable report, which outlines responsible discussion of human sexuality, has been shunned by the president and even provoked calls for Satcher's dismissal.

White House spokesman Ari Fleischer was quick to note that the report was commissioned under former President Clinton, who appointed Satcher. Fleischer also repeated President Bush's simplistic stance on sex education, which amounts to an inflexible incantation of abstinence.

Satcher's term ends in February, and the president has made no move to retain him (although he hasn't put out feelers for any replacements either). Even Tommy Thompson, the secretary for health and human services, wanted nothing to do with Satcher's report.

Despite being received as if it were radioactive, this report isn't breaking news, and it doesn't really say anything that most people didn't already know. It has been on the shelf since before the November election, and many health officials were wondering when Satcher would ever issue it.

Here is the report's shocking revelation that has made so many politicians squeamish: Many people have sex outside of marriage. Satcher doesn't glorify that fact; he simply recognizes reality. He recommends a frank discussion of protection against sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies. He also recognizes the biological diversity in sexual orientation, saying he has found little evidence to show that people have a choice in the matter. But the clincher was Satcher's conclusion that while sex education does not deter premarital sex, it does raise the chances that teens and young adults will use contraceptives.

Satcher's approach is the correct one. Providing accurate information and understanding can reduce the bad consequences of premarital sex. Millions of Americans who don't create or influence national policy have sincere moral or religious reasons for wishing to avoid discussions of some sexual subjects. But President Bush and Secretary Thompson have broader responsibilities. They can't simply suggest that sex education should be kept in the closet.

When releasing his report, Satcher said that he "had to deal with reality." The White House could use a healthy dose of it as well.

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