Education
Over the last six years, our state and federal governments have invested millions of dollars through grants to encourage abstinence-only-until-marriage education. (Source: Advocates for Youth) This is despite research that shows the ineffectiveness of these programs.
Abstinence-only-until-marriage programs teach abstinence as the only morally correct option for teenagers and young adults. They typically censor or distort information about contraceptives--- particularly the effectiveness of condoms, which help prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Research shows, however, that age-appropriate, comprehensive sexuality education, (Source: Advocates for Youth) which not only encourages abstinence but also teaches about contraception, is the most effective way to prevent teenage pregnancy. These programs have been proven to delay the onset of sexual activity, reduce the frequency of sexual activity, reduce the number of sexual partners, and increase condom and contraceptive use thus alleviating the prevalence of STDs and HIV. (Source: Siecus Fact Sheet)
Abstinence-only-until-marriage programs teach abstinence as the only morally correct option for teenagers and young adults. They typically censor or distort information about contraceptives--- particularly the effectiveness of condoms, which help prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Research shows, however, that age-appropriate, comprehensive sexuality education, (Source: Advocates for Youth) which not only encourages abstinence but also teaches about contraception, is the most effective way to prevent teenage pregnancy. These programs have been proven to delay the onset of sexual activity, reduce the frequency of sexual activity, reduce the number of sexual partners, and increase condom and contraceptive use thus alleviating the prevalence of STDs and HIV. (Source: Siecus Fact Sheet)