Abstinence Only Fails While Comprehensive Sex Education Proves Effective
A new study just released confirms a host of previous studies that abstinence only education does not reduce sexual activity or the incidence of pregnancies among teens. The study released by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy also contradicts assertions by advocates of abstinence only programs that comprehensive sex education promotes promiscuity.
The study found that comprehensive sex education programs are, in fact, effective in "delaying the initiation of sex, reducing the frequency of sex, reducing the number of sexual partners and increasing condom or contraceptive use." The study showed that "two-thirds of the 48 comprehensive programs that supported both abstinence and the use of condoms and contraceptives for sexually active teens and positive behavior effect."
Despite the numerous studies and documentation of the failure of abstinence only programs, both the Bush Administration and Congress are supporting the allocation of millions of dollars for community-based abstinence-only programs. Congress is currently considering a funding bill which includes $141 to fund these programs, an increase of $4 million over President Bush’s request.
Media Resources: Associated Press 11/7/07; Feministing 11/7/07
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