PBS Broadcast: June 21, 2005
Synopsis
The swift rise in federally funded, abstinence-only sex education under the Bush administration is in the headlines today, sparking an intense national debate about our responsibility to teach teens the facts of life. Those supporting an abstinence-only approach say that teaching anything but abstinence just encourages teens to experiment with sex. Opponents say that withholding information about condom use and birth control will only lead to unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.
Into the culture wars steps 15-year-old Shelby Knox of Lubbock, Texas. A self-described "good Southern Baptist girl," Knox herself has pledged abstinence until marriage. When she finds that Lubbock has some of the highest rates of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases in the state, and her county's high schools teach abstinence as the only safe sex, she becomes an unlikely advocate for comprehensive sex education, profoundly changing her political and spiritual views along the way. "I think that God wants you to question," Shelby says, "to do more than just blindly be a follower, because he can't use blind followers. He can use people like me who realize there's more in the world that can be done." Here is a story for our times, where the combustible mix of politics, family and faith aren't as predictable as the red state/blue state divide would suggest.
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What an intelligent, articulate, dedicated kid! Congratulations to her for working so hard & speaking out so forcefully on her issue, especially when so many people were trying to squelch her. I can't wait to see what she tackles next - it's people like her who make a difference in this world.”
— Jeanette, Milwaukee, WI
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Film Update
June 21, 2005
Critical Acclaim
Shelby Knox is a brave, smart, independent high-school-age crusader for sex education in Lubbock, Texas. The movie is a pungent civics lesson on what can and cannot be accomplished by one plucky, idealistic girl.”
—
Stephen Holden
The New York Times
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Reviews & Reactions
Average Review
| based on 7 reviews
Shelby and her parents are amazing. If only every child could have such supportive and accepting parents. If only every person could stand up for what they believe in the way that Shelby does. This documentary is a testimony to America's growth and gives me hope that we can and will progress as a nation towards tolerance and acceptance.
by Jennifer
June 15, 2009, 12:05 PM
I also belive in abstinence. I have an abstinence ring and I want to stick to that promise. It is great that you respect your body and yourself enough to stay abstinent.
by Genesis
August 28, 2009, 2:08 PM
NY Times Op Ed
NY Times Op Ed on abstinence only programs
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/20/opinion/20sun2.html?ref=opinion
by Simon Kilmurry from New York, NY
December 20, 2009, 2:21 PM
I think that anybody that can keep promises to stay abstenate is a real role model and pretty cool in my book. (Shelby is my hero!) I know that I didn't, but I did come to regret it after I met my last boyfriend. I'd hate for anybody else to have to put up with that feeling, though alot of kids do every day. I know that the decision is ours and even though we messed up- its nice to have your parents there behind you all the way.
by Elly from Vidalia, Ga
February 16, 2010, 8:25 PM
Oh man
She's right about sec ed but I hope she didn't become a dummycrat or something.
by Retnan from Chicago, IL
March 7, 2010, 1:59 AM
Congratulations to Shelby
Shelby and I went to elementary school together and she is an unforgettable person. I don't want to comment on her topic. I'm not a parent - I don't think it's any of my business, but I will say this: Congratulations Shelby! And thank you for standing up and sharing your opinion. It's a hard thing to talk about in our home town and even harder to stand your ground. I'm proud to know and I wish you the best of luck.
Sincerely,
Cassie "Lehmann" Ladd - a former Hardwick Elementary Mustang.
by Cassie Ladd from Austin, Texas
March 12, 2010, 5:28 PM
Shelby Knox is a wonderful example of someone who stood up for what was RIGHT even though she lived in a conservative, small-minded town. She fought for what she believed, because it was the right thing to do. If you want to reduce the number of abortions, unwanted pregnancies, and the spread of sexually transmitted disease, than you MUST support sex education. Abstinence is great for people who want to commit to it. But you can't expect everyone to, and we must be practical as well.
by Eve from Brighton, MA
March 17, 2010, 10:15 AM