August 16, 2007

Abstinence just part of effective programs

This great letter to the editor was published in The State on Monday by Forrest Alton, Executive Director of the SC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy.

Abstinence just part of effective programs

A July 29 headline proclaimed, “Abstinence-only sex education questioned.” But while the jury was out for some time on abstinence-only-until-marriage programs, there is no longer a question: A large-scale, well-designed, federally funded evaluation has shown that they do not work.

Abstinence is clearly the first and best choice for young people and should be emphasized.

But there is a clear distinction between abstinence as a behavior and abstinence-only as an educational approach. While abstinence-only programs have been shown to be ineffective, there are a variety of programs that research has shown to be effective. A commonality of the programs that work is a clear and consistent message that abstinence is the first and best choice combined with age-appropriate, medically accurate information and condoms and contraception for those youth who are sexually active. This comprehensive approach has been shown through rigorous research to delay the initiation of sex, increase the use of contraception and ultimately decrease rates of pregnancy and STDs.

A 2007 survey showed that 81 percent of S.C. adults agree that sexuality education that emphasizes abstinence as the first, best option but also teaches the importance of contraception should be taught in the public schools.

As future decisions about funding are made, let’s hope the results of sound research and the views of an overwhelming majority of South Carolinians are considered. There is no time to continue funding approaches to sex education that do not work.

The mission of the South Carolina Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy is to prevent adolescent pregnancy in South Carolina through education, advocacy, technical assistance, public awareness and research.