Research the topic of abstinence programs in school. Discuss whether these programs deter students from sexual activity, thus reducing the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and teenage pregnancy in high schools. Research whether they work or hurt students by denying them the knowledge to protect themselves from STDs and early pregnancy. Discuss the value abstinence programs provide to students in teaching them self-esteem, self-confidence and independent thinking.
This has been a hot research paper topic for years. In your paper, discuss scientific research about child development in the womb and its relation to abortion's legalization. You may also choose to discuss the responsibility of the individual versus the government in the area of abortion. Other subtopics that can be added might be issues about the right to protest in front of abortion clinics and stem cell research.
With films like "Supersize Me" making a dent in the American conscience, fast food has become a hot topic. You can discuss corporate responsibility by fast food chain companies and whether they encourage obesity in the U.S. population. Talk about people's individual responsibility versus blaming corporations. For some additions to your paper, discuss the effects of fast food on the body and why they could be considered a serious health issue. Also discuss the effects of obesity in children and adolescents.
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) has become widespread in the United States and abroad. In your research paper, you can discuss subjects such as the rights of the individual with AIDS in relation to community and campus safety issues. Write about the progress that is being made in AIDS research and the funding needed to continue this research. It might also be interesting to write and research the history of the AIDS virus and how it was able to spread from a wild animal to human beings. The topic of U.S. obligation to countries in the developing world that are plagued with the AIDS virus is worth discussing.