Sexology Under Pressure

EFS and WAS push forward with accreditation, education, and global advocacy.

View this email in your browser Dear WAS Members and Friends, Across the world, sexuality and gender education are facing mounting political and ideological resistance. From sexology training programs under threat to funding cuts that undermine sexual and reproductive health services, the urgency to defend and advance our field has never been greater. This week, we highlight: ✔ The European Federation for Sexology (EFS), one of WAS' Federations, and its president, Esben Esther Pirelli Benestad, on the growing challenges to sexological education—and how we push forward. ✔ A powerful SRHM webinar replay unpacking the global consequences of Trump's Executive Orders on SRHR. ✔ A new blog highlighting how progressive sexual health policies in Zambia, Moldova, and Nepal stand in stark contrast to the regression of SRHR in the United States. Together, we must resist setbacks, strengthen global collaboration, and continue our collective fight for Sexual Health and Rights for ALL.   Insights from The European Federation for Sexology (EFS) In times of uncertainty and opposition, sexology must not retreat—it must grow, adapt, and claim its rightful place in education, healthcare, and public discourse. The EFS is leading this charge, pushing forward initiatives to strengthen professional sexology education, accreditation, and visibility across Europe.   Esben Esther Pirelli Benestad "It is a conundrum why authoritarian leaders have such fear of human sexuality and gender," reflects EFS President, Esben Esther Pirelli Benestad, calling for global solidarity in advancing sexological knowledge. "We shall not and cannot yield to authoritarian decisions nor sexuality-opposing ideologies. Neither shall we go into defense—doing so would only let our opponents control the debate." Instead, Esben Esther urges sexologists to qualify sexuality, gender diversity, love, and care—not just as scientific disciplines but as essential elements of human well-being.  EFS' commitment to strengthening sexological education aligns with the ongoing efforts of the WAS Professional Education in Sexology (PES) Committee. The committee has been working to map sexology education worldwide, advocating for accreditation, and ensuring sexological expertise is integrated into global healthcare and educational frameworks. Learn more about the PES Committee here.   Watch the Replay: The Global Impact of Trump's Executive Orders on SRHR While sexologists and educators in Europe work to protect and expand sexological education, we are also witnessing dangerous rollbacks in sexual and reproductive health policies and funding elsewhere. The consequences of restrictive policies and funding cuts—particularly in the United States—are already impacting access to contraception, abortion, and LGBTQ+ healthcare worldwide. On February 25, Sexual and Reproductive Health Matters (SRHM) hosted a powerful webinar discussing the far-reaching consequences of the Trump Administration's Executive Orders on SRHR. ✔ How the Global Gag Rule is affecting maternal health and contraception access worldwide. ✔ The impact of funding freezes on HIV/AIDS prevention and LGBTQ+ healthcare. ✔ How restrictive policies are threatening reproductive rights in the U.S. and beyond. Access the SRHM Webinar Replay Here Resisting Regression: Defending Global SRHR Gains As efforts to undermine sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) intensify globally, it is essential to recognize both the progress made and the urgent need to resist rollbacks elsewhere. A new SRHM blog, authored by WAS Gold Medal recepient, Venkatraman Chandra-Mouli, and Robert Blum, explores how many low-and-middle-income countries LMICs have successfully advanced adolescent SRHR, while contrasting this with the alarming policy regressions in the United States under the Trump-Vance administration. The authors highlight: ✔ How Zambia, Moldova, and Nepal have expanded comprehensive sexuality education, contraceptive access, and safe abortion services. ✔ The reversal of SRHR progress in the U.S., including cuts to global health funding, restrictions on sexual health services, and threats to abortion rights. ✔ The need for new funding models and global coalitions to counteract the damage and sustain SRHR gains. "We cannot afford to be paralyzed by these attacks—we must protect and build upon the progress made in LMICs while supporting those resisting regression in the U.S.," they argue. Read the full blog here Now is the time to take action. Whether through education, research, or advocacy, we must ensure that progress is not only protected but continues to thrive. Together, we defend, expand, and strengthen sexology—for the present and for generations to come. Warm regards, The World Association for Sexual Health Upcoming WAS 2025 Deadlines: Accommodation Bookings: 17 May 2025 Standard Registration: 30 May 2025 Click here to visit the WAS website Not on our mailing list yet? Sign up here! Support the Mission of WAS We invite you to support the ongoing work of the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS). Your contributions help us continue our mission of promoting Sexual Health, Rights, and Justice globally. Consider becoming a supporting member or making a financial contribution today. Donations are tax-deductible in the USA. Donate Here Copyright © 2025 World Association for Sexual Health (WAS), All rights reserved. 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