Israel's 'Open Door' Association Marks 60 Years of Sexual Health Education

The Israeli association "Delet Ptuha" (Open Door), dedicated to sexual health education and family planning, is approaching its 60th anniversary in September 2026. Founded in 1966 as the "Israeli Association for Family Planning," the organization was re-registered as a volunteer-based non-profit in 1984. Its mission is to foster a society that upholds gender equality and human rights, including the right to healthy sexuality, characterized by informed and free decision-making with equal access to quality education and medical services. "Delet Ptuha" operates as part of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), adapting its global mission to Israel's specific needs.

Currently, the association runs several key initiatives. It supports free consultation centers across Israel in coordination with municipal social services, offering guidance to teenagers, young adults, parents, and medical professionals. These centers also provide information on contraception, emergency contraception, and access to volunteer gynecologists. Notable among these volunteers is Professor Roni Gamzu, who advises on gynecology, assists with unwanted pregnancies and STIs, and advocates for relevant policies in the Knesset. Yaffa Zarfati, a pioneer in the field, continues to volunteer, focusing on training specialists in human sexuality.

Zarfati recounted an incident in 1980 where she encountered a 16-year-old student experiencing severe abdominal pain, later discovered to be pregnant. This experience highlighted the need for comprehensive sexual education and support, leading her to connect with "Delet Ptuha." The organization has historically focused on adapting its educational programs to diverse cultural groups, including immigrants from the former Soviet Union and Ethiopia, and the Arab sector, employing specialists from within these communities.

Sivan Lotan, chairwoman of the association, credits "Delet Ptuha" with shaping her positive understanding of sexuality and professional path. She emphasizes the organization's unique approach, which focuses on positive sexuality rather than solely on risk prevention, distinguishing it from many other organizations.

In recent years, "Delet Ptuha" has faced significant financial challenges, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent national priorities like the war. Liron Bauchner, the CEO, stated that the organization is struggling for survival, despite its past successes, such as advocating for the inclusion of contraceptives in the national health basket. The association is also working to expand remote consultations for abortion committees, aiming to make the process more accessible. Bauchner clarified that the organization does not promote abortions but supports informed decision-making regarding one's body, stressing the importance of parental involvement. Zarfat noted a societal shift where issues once considered extreme among at-risk youth, such as sexual violence and early exposure to pornography, are now more prevalent across all demographics, including religious communities. Both Zarfat and Bauchner highlighted ongoing societal taboos and parental resistance to sexual education, contrasting it with the risks children face online.