Sex education classes are like in-home sales parties for abortions.

The quote by Phyllis Schlafly, “Sex education classes are like in-home sales parties for abortions”, reflects her sharp opposition to comprehensive sex education. By comparing sex education to a marketing event, Schlafly suggests that such classes normalize or even encourage sexual activity, which in her view leads directly to higher rates of unintended pregnancies and ultimately abortions. Her language conveys not just disagreement but a deep distrust of the educational approach that promotes open discussion of sexuality.

The origin of this statement comes from Schlafly’s role as a conservative activist and founder of the Eagle Forum. Throughout the 1970s and beyond, she was a leading voice against the Equal Rights Amendment and many feminist reforms, often promoting traditional family values. Her opposition to sex education stemmed from her belief that it undermined parental authority, encouraged promiscuity, and conflicted with her moral and religious views.

By equating sex education with promoting abortions, Schlafly framed the debate in stark moral terms. She argued that rather than preventing problems, such programs worsened them by removing stigma and encouraging behaviors she considered destructive. Her perspective aligned with a broader conservative movement that preferred abstinence-based approaches, seeing them as the only acceptable alternative.

Ultimately, Schlafly’s quote captures the intensity of the cultural and political battles over sex education in America. While critics dismissed her claims as exaggerated, her rhetoric resonated with many who feared changing social norms. It illustrates how debates over education, morality, and reproductive rights became intertwined in American politics, shaping policy discussions that continue to this day.