"Abstinence-only" faith-based sex ed failure?

Question

Here's the story:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071206/ap_on_he_me/teen_births

So: When are the religionists going to figure out lying to kids about condoms isn't helping? When are they going to figure out people-- and teenagers-- are going to keep on having sex no matter how much Jesus they throw at them? When are they going to make the connection that teaching folks how to avoid pregnancy will automatically reduce or eliminate their favorite talking point: abortion? When are they going to join the rest of us in the 21st century? It's time for factual, science-based, truthful, accurate, religion-free sex education. For adults, too.

Just for the record, I'm an "old thinker," too. I just keep up with the modern world. Being in my 50s doesn't mean I stop paying attention.
While I agree abstinence is 100% effective, condoms are 95% effective and chemical birth control is between 96 and 98% effective. Since, as I pointed out, kids are going to have sex anyway, 95 to 98% is still better than 0%.

Also, I'm a nurse; my concern is the health of the kids and of the community.

ATWolf: You make some valid points, and a few obvious ones.
There are studies done by reputable (which, IMHO, do not involve churches or religious groups) research organizations which show the factual, science based, truthful sex ed I support DELAYS first sexual encounters, LOWERS the rates of STDs and REDUCES PREGNANCIES. The statistics are avilable on the web, you just need to look them up. There are at least three separate and non-related studies.
I've heard all the BS about Planned Parenthood. Most of it is wrong and horribly biased. They do go work; they are not in the business of providing abortions, rather helping prevent pregnancy in the first place, thereby AVOIDING abortion. They also provide sources for adoption. Maybe you should stop relying on religious sources for information. Or at least someone without an alternative agenda.

I restate my earlier premise: Kids are going to have sex whether you like it or not. We all wanted it at that age (and please don't insult me and yourself by trying to deny it. Even the Jesus-kids in my high school were doing it). Yes, we need to teach them there are consequences, and risks. But teaching them to handle the risks and avoid some of the avoidable consequences is our duty. We do that by telling them the truth, and leaving our elaborate mythology out of the mix.

Answer 1

I am a Christian and I whole heartedly agree with you. I have tried to instill abstinence as a choice for my daughter but I have also told her... just say the word and I will buy you condoms and spermicide. Too many people have their heads in the sand and they think that by ignoring the real issue, it will just go away. It doesn't.

People, including teenagers, are going to make the choice to have sex or not have sex by themselves. It doesn't matter what someone else believes, it matters what THEY believe. Since no one can automatically force their belief system on someone else... isn't' it time we started protecting our youth?

Answer 2

Awwighty, let's examine your source, and your premise.

"In a troubling reversal, the nation's teen birth rate rose for the first time in 15 years..."

"At the same time, some research suggests teens are using condoms far more often than they did 15 years ago."

Let's see. If some research says that teenagers are using condoms more often now than they did 15 years ago... then why are birth rates on the rise now??

Let's move on:

"Many of those with the highest birth rates teach abstinence instead of comprehensive sex education, according to the Planned Parenthood Federation of America.
And research has concluded that abstinence-only programs do not cause a decrease in teenage sexual activity, Planned Parenthood officials added."

Do you see a problem with the last two statements? They are both from Planned Parenthood, an organization that many would distrust, and for good reason. (You might want to read Grand Illusions: The Legacy of Planned Parenthood by George Grant.)

You want "factual, science-based, truthful, accurate, religion-free sex education"?? All right, here it is.

Sex. Has. Consequences. Every time you have sex, you run the risk of pregnancy. Every time you have sex, especially with a non-virgin, you run the risk of acquiring a STD-- even if you use condoms. Many STDS require only skin contact to be transmitted. Plus, condoms break and fall off. Birth control isn't fool-proof. And many people (especially teenagers) are not diligent about condom use, nor birth control. If they were, then we would not have so many abortions per year.
The only fool-proof way to avoid the consequences of sex is to not have it. Or put it off until you're in a life-long commitment (marriage) with one person. And don't give me that bull about "people and kids will have sex-- they can't help it!" I am a virgin. Most of my friends are virgins and plan to remain so until marriage. Somehow... somehow, we've managed to *gasp* NOT have sex. Ever. It's not always easy, but it is most definitely within the realm of possibility.

IMO, telling kids to use condoms and birth-control tends to give them a false sense of security, so they're more likely to have sex, and they're more likely to be careless about it.

You should check out "Why True Love Waits" by Josh McDowell. It really is an eye-opener.

Answer 3

Well lets see, last time I checked as a human and NOT an animal with reasoning skills and all. I have the ability to control my actions, and not take my clothes off and start humping everything I see, so maybe we should be teaching people that.... Oh and maybe we should be making people aware of the consequences of sex instead of fighting over what the best method to teach our children is. And with those consequences we can say are you prepared to handle getting an std or getting pregnant even if you use birth control, even if you use a condom. Safe-sex supporters are just as guilty of propaganda as abstinence supporters, both are complaining about the other which leads to a lot of noise and less solutions.....

Answer 4

Abstinence-only usually doesn't help with convincing people to STAY abstinent, those programs need to be revamped. Studies have shown that people with abstinence-only education are much more sexually active. PS- <3 Pio

Answer 5

While abstinence will work 100% of the time, it is illogical to think that even a minority of teenagers, young adults or adults will stick to it. We are, after all mammals. No more, no less. We are genetically inclined to have sex. It IS going to happen, so yes, we have to have proper sex ed. classes, free and easily accessible birth control and proper counselling for those who require it.
By counselling I mean educated, not religious assistance.

Answer 6

Hear, hear! I agree with you!

When I assisted with a Unitarian Universalist youth group one summer, all the kids had gotten a complete, year-long education in the what, how, and why of sex and reproduction, including the various methods of birth control and how to use them. The teens could have very frank and honest discussions about sex -- with no immature giggling and innuendo -- and according to what some of them said to me in conversation, they were NOT all sexually active. There was not one single unintended pregnancy among teens who went through that program since they started it sometime back in the early '80s. I consider that a success.

Answer 7

hey dead, I'm an old timer to you.
I challenge you to "talk some sense" to me.

Abstinence works. Only rebellion by the next generation who believe they know better than their "ancient, previous generation" is the issue.

Abstinence provides no unwanted pregnancies, would almost do away with abortion. Amazing how people think that sex at any time would not reproduce.
Why is it stupid to assume the current teaching of sex education is better than abstinence? It has increased ignorance and arrogance in the sexual education.

The current system has proven the biggest failure of all.

Answer 8

The failure rate of condoms is between 18 and 36%. That means it is like 18 to 36% of the people having sex without protection. That is not safe sex nor anywhere near it.So called safe sex spread aids and other deseases.

Answer 9

Although I doubt abstinance-only sex education is effective, I'm not sure "wrap that rascal" is any more effective. The story you linked is inconclusive regarding WHY teen pregnancy rates blipped last year.

Answer 10

Hellooooo? Sure it might be religion based but it is true. noone wants to become pregnant as a teenager or get an STD, and doctors and scientists all around the world know that birth control isn't 100% protection. Abstinence is.