The Abstinence Of Comprehensive Sex Education

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One day, our youth will have to make life-changing decisions about their sexual and reproductive health. Studies have shown that the majority of adolescents lack the basic knowledge essential to make decisions regarding their sexual health. Comprehensive sex education allows teens to make informed decisions built on a standard of information about their sexuality. This comprehensive approach educates students that abstinence is the best method for avoiding sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and unintended pregnancy, but also teaches about contraception. Comprehensive sex education also provides real life communication skills and helps young people explore their own values, goals, and options. Although abstinence-only programs are the predominant …show more content…

According to research conducted at the Guttmacher Institute, programs that exclusively encourage abstinence are ineffective (Boonstra). Sex education should be directed by indication of what works most efficiently in reducing the rates of unintentional pregnancies and STDs. Comprehensive sex education provides students with the skills that are necessary to form decisions about sex. Accurate and balanced sex education, including information about contraception, is a fundamental right that should be provided for our youth. Teenagers have the responsibilities to lead healthy lives and should not be limited to society’s bias on the perception of right and wrong. Researchers at the Institute of the Future of Sex Education (FoSE) indicates that, “the balance between responsibility and rights is critical because it sets behavioral expectations and provides the knowledge, ability, and comfort to manage their sexual health throughout life in a responsible way.” (“Youth…”). Yet, policy makers have provided great amounts of money for abstinence-only programs in schools. These programs ignore the human rights of our youth and the public health principle of accurate, balanced …show more content…

Certain religious groups’ perspective on comprehensive sex education is that learning about “sex before marriage” will provoke our youth to engage in sexual behaviors. Although some people believe that comprehensive sex education will lead to sexual activity, studies have shown that abstinence-only programs are related to increased pregnancy and birth rates among teens (“Facts…”). Comprehensive sex education programs encourage abstinence, but also teach about contraceptives and the consequences of unhealthy sexual behaviors. Classes that teach abstinence, as well as the use of protection, are the most realistic and effective way to reduce teen pregnancy and STDs. No studies of comprehensive sex education programs have found evidence that providing teens with sexual health and reproductive health information resulted in increased sexual activity (Boonstra). Other members of our society think it should be a parents’ choice to inform their child about sex, and not the school or school district. This misconception allows our youth to fill this gap of information with traditional beliefs and customs passed through the generations. There is no doubt that parents want to be able to provide the guidance and knowledge their children need to become responsible regarding their sexual

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