Abstinence Only Sex Education Fails

A recent study by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy (NCPTUP) has shown that abstinence only programs do not reduce sexual activity or pregnancy among teens, nor do they reduce the number or sexual partners that teens have. The fact that abstinence only programs do not seem to have any beneficial impact has been repeatedly proven (most recently through evaluation programs such as ‘Title V’ and a report by Mathematica Policy Research in the United States). The NCPTUP study also contradicts the theory that comprehensive sex education promotes promiscuity, an argument often supported by abstinence only advocates. What is needed across Canada and around the world is sex education that empowers students to make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health (i.e. comprehensive sex education). This includes, but not be limited to: information about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV; contraception; safer sex; pregnancy options; communicating about sex; and information about GLBTQI.

Recommended reading: Sexual Health Education in the schools: Q&A, created by the Sex Information and Education Council of Canada.

Information for this latest news was gathered from the following sources: The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy 19/11/2007; Philadelphia Inquirer 20/11/2007; Feminist Majority Foundation 21/11/07.