Isn't practicing safe sex responsible behavior?

Question

I've heard quite a few conservatives state that liberals don't believe in personal responsibility. I've especially heard this from those who advocate abstinence-only education. However, I strongly disagree. Whether we like it or not, teens and unmarried adults are going to have sex, so isn't it best if they're armed with as much information as possible about ways of preventing STDs and unwanted pregnancy? Sure, all forms of prevention save abstinence aren't foolproof, but they're better than nothing. And some may deny this, but it's actually been proven that abstinence-only programs aren't effective and that a lot of kids who take virginity pledges often break their vows. Needless to say, it is of vital importance that as many people as possible are armed with this life-saving information.

I did NOT say that ALL teens and unmarried adults would have sex, but you can be sure that MANY of them will. And for that reason, it's best that ALL of them have the facts. And yes, I know that abstinence is best, but using protection is better than having unprotected sex. Is that really such a hard concept to grasp?

I agree that it's the parents' responsibility to teach their children values. That being said, though, I also think that teens have the right to not be kept in the dark about what's out there.

Answer 1

i think some propose abstinence only programs because deep down they feel that if they aren't getting any, nobody should be getting any.

ok, ok, that was a low blow.

i think what it comes down to is that these people feel that safe sex programs is a compromise to their morals. people should abstain from sex before marriage (according to their morals) ergo teaching safe sex violates this belief.

however this unwillingness to compromise on the issue creates a problem where teenagers are getting pregnant and spreading stds. rather than compromise their position to solve the issue they are dogmatic in their approach and nothing gets solved.

this is true for a lot of problems. rather than take pragmatic approaches to problems people let their personal belief systems get in the way of really solving the issue.

Answer 2

There's no such thing as safe sex. There IS safer sex. A minor point, maybe, but the change of wording to make it more accurate has a dramatic effect.

Yes, I am in favor of people having all the facts in order to make a decision. But it does get complicated with minors, doesn't it? We don't let them sign contracts or make other decisions either.

Some would say that it is more irresponsible not to give young people GUIDANCE and emphasize abstinence - to just give 'em a condom and say "good luck" - than it would be to teach abstinence only.

I'm just trying to give another side.

To repeat, yes, I would favor comprehensive education, but I don't see much of a chance for that to happen. Each side politicizes it. For every right-winger who wants "abstinence only," there's a left-winger who says we can't "impose morals" on anyone, and sex ed becomes merely a how-to lecture with no CONTEXT.

I have many questions, not enough answers.

What do the statistics show?

PS Excellent question - gets the debate going!

Answer 3

Although I agree with you that we need to give all of our kids the most information as possible, because we know that some of them will choose to have sex anyways. That does not mean that I think we should stop pushing abstinace in younger kids....I mean I have known 12-13 yr olds who hare having sex. We can't tell them it ok, we know you are going to do it anyways so here the correct way. To me, that is like saying, well kids are going to drink and drive, so instead of telling them not to do it, we are going to start giving driving lessons. You don't stop teaching what right because some won't listen...you teach to reach the ones you can, and hopefully change the minds of those you can't. Abstinance is best, but you also have to let them know the ways to protect them selves should the choose a different path.

Answer 4

mothers and fathers have their heads up their asses in this difficulty. understanding about possibility-free sex not in hardship-free words prevents being pregnant, it also prevents ailments, and that is a public well being problem. So no, it is going to not be as a lot because the mothers and fathers, who're many times (very many times) too embarrassed to discuss the birds and the bees. For one element 2 sorts of birth control are very useful used together. this can contain a condom and the pill, or a condom and a spermicide. youthful ones do decide on to be shown a thanks to positioned condoms on, because the roll on the bottom receives snagged and consider were given to be ready to unroll it with out tearing it. in addition they should be the right length. And what should be safer than masturbation? it really is possibility-free to demonstrate screen one yet another masturbate besides, by using the indisputable fact that is to apply sex toys. it is also completely possibility-free to demonstrate screen porn, as you at the instantaneous are not even touching the intangible people on the demonstrate screen. 13 3 hundred and sixty 5 days olds were having sex for 1000's of years. Do you extremely anticipate that genetic urge to vanish via using abstinence preparation?

Answer 5

Conservatives and liberals say a lot of things about each other and make statements about the other side that are simply not true. That is just politics. It is,as you say, vital that safe sex information be made available to all people, not just teens and unmarried youndg adults. One of the most alarming increases in STD's has been among the elderly, who widowed or divorced are engaging in unprotected sex, thinking that because they can no longer get pregnant they are safe. Abstinance is certainly the surest way to avoid STD's and unwanted pregnancies, but all too often the preachers of abstinance are getting caught with their pants/panties down.

Answer 6

I understand and to a large degree agree with you but I think that as a parent I should be the one to teach my kids about how they should behave when it comes to sex issues. I do not want some free love hippie teaching them what is moral or right when it comes to this issue. I don't mind school teaching about how STDs are contracted but I don't want them teaching that using protection such as rubbers is right because that is a matter of moral standards and our morals are different. I also don't think schools should teach that it is morally OK to be gay because that is a matter of opinion and many people disagree.

Answer 7

Actually, considering the failure rate of many forms of birth control, especially condoms, if a person did not want a pregnancy or a child, the responsible thing would be to not have sexual intercourse at all.

Abstinence is the ONLY proven form of 100% responsible sexual behavior. No abortions necessary when you don't engage in acts that, despite all precautions, still result in pregnancy.

And killing an unborn baby is not what I would consider a responsible action in the least.
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Oh, please show proof that abstinence-only programs have been "proven" to be ineffective.

And the "Since kids are going to.... " argument is specious. Since kids are going to get high, should we teach them how to roll joints? Since kids are going to get drunk, should we teach them how to "shotgun" a beer?

Answer 8

Tangerine, daughter of Eve, there are many levels of intimacy that are satisfying to the human need or desire for closeness. A couple need not indulge in the act that leads to reproduction of your species in order to bathe in the oneness they seek.
The deep magic in unifying souls is not in the act of sex itself. Baring one's most inner secrets is the true course of intimacy. Understanding that the act that leads to reproduction should only be practiced when all of the inner secrets have been revealed is what needs to be taught to the young of your species. The idea that your chosen mate is so special to the existence of humankind should be the deciding factor in the sex act, not lust.

Answer 9

Yes, it is. But you can't regulate peoples' behavior. This is the USA where people have the right--and the freedom--to be as dumb foolish as they so choose. What needs to be taught is: prepare to know, accept and deal with the consequences of the personal choices you make and don't blame the outcome of your choice on someone else.

Answer 10

You stated for the record: "Whether we like it or not, teens and unmarried adults are going to have sex..."

No they are not! Why do people such as yourself think this? I was with my girlfriend (now my wife) for about 4 years and never had sex. So it's not "gonna happen no matter what".

Saying so is simple ignorant.