Let’s talk about sex, Alaska

Alaska is facing a sexual and reproductive health crisis. The state currently leads the nation in gonorrhea cases, ranks third for chlamydia, and holds the 11th highest rate of syphilis per capita. Bottom line: Alaskans are much more likely to get sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, than people in other states. 

This is especially concerning for teenagers, as nearly half, 46%, of Alaskan high school students reported not using a condom during their last sexual encounter.

Alaska’s approach to sexual health education leaves many people without the knowledge they need to make informed decisions. Unlike a majority of states, Alaska does not require sex education in schools, leaving it up to individual school districts to decide if and how to offer it. 

Studies tell us this is the wrong approach! Decades of research show that comprehensive sex education improved health outcomes, yet many students in Alaska receive incomplete or exclusionary instruction — if they receive any at all. 

When sex education ignores diverse experiences and focuses only on heterosexual and cisgender relationships, it leaves gaps in understanding. In the absence of accurate information, misinformation about contraception, STIs, and healthy relationships can spread widely. Limited discussion also reinforces stigma, making it harder for people to communicate with partners or seek healthcare when needed.

In rural communities, these challenges are even greater. Limited healthcare access means fewer opportunities for testing, treatment, and reproductive care. And when providers are unfamiliar with community needs — whether that be Indigenous, rural, or LGBTQIA2S+ populations — patients may feel unheard or uncomfortable seeking care. Bias, whether outright discrimination or more subtle stigma, can further discourage people from accessing critical health services. 

Access to a wide variety of essential sexual healthcare services in Alaska remains a challenge. Many people struggle to obtain internal and external condoms, birth control pills, intrauterine devices, or IUDs, implants, injections, and emergency contraception like Plan B. 

Other critical services such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV, prevention medications and abortion care are also difficult to access, worsening the state’s sexual health crisis.

Addressing these issues requires expanding access to inclusive, medically accurate sex education and culturally competent healthcare. All Alaskans need access to resources to improve our public health.

Alaskans are pushing for change! Improving sexual health requires breaking down barriers to services, expanding education, and encouraging open conversations. 

‍House Bill 17, which aimed to require insurance companies in Alaska to expand birth control prescriptions from 1-3 months to 12 months, had congressional support but was ultimately vetoed by Governor Dunleavy. Despite setbacks, policy advocacy remains critical to expanding contraception access and other essential services.

Community-driven initiatives like I Know Mine and We R Native provide education and resources to promote healthy relationships and well-being. Alaskans ages 14 to 26 can also use the My Best Alaskan Life tool to make informed decisions about their sexual health. These efforts support individuals in taking control of their well-being.

Several organizations in Anchorage provide free or low-cost STI testing and sexual health resources to support informed decision-making. 

‍Identity provides LGBTQIA2S+-affirming care. Additionally, Planned Parenthood, Alaska Native Medical Center, Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center, Four A’s (Alaskan AIDS Assistance Association), and the Municipality of Anchorage Public Health Clinic offer confidential sexual health services. 

The Student Health and Counseling Center supports sexual health by providing free contraceptives and low-cost STI testing. For those seeking free condoms, the Anchorage Health Department offers an online locator tool.

You can be a part of the solution! Talk to your friends and partners, call out misinformation, go get tested, and advocate for access to reliable sexual health resources in Alaska. Push for policies that expand contraception, STI testing, and inclusive sex education — contact your representatives and make your voice heard. Change will not happen without action. Stay informed, speak up, and fight for a healthier future for all Alaskans!

Sofia Sytniak has a M.S. in Clinical Psychology and is a Ph.D. student in UAA's Clinical-Community Psychology program. Allex Mahanna is in the Master of Public Health program at UAA.