August 3, 2007

Abstinence-only debate continues

The USA Today has published both an editorial againstabstinence-only education as well as an opposing piece supporting abstinence-only education.
Here are two quotes from the Kaiser Network:
Teaching abstinence has “always had a certain appeal,” but it is “not a time for wishful thinking” because recent studies have suggested that the “decline in the rate of teens having sex has plateaued” (USA Today, 7/30).
From USA Today: Our view on sex education: Abstinence-only fails to stop early pregnancies, diseases
Abstinence programs “shar[e] the realities” of STIs and provide accurate information about contraception “but always within the context of abstinence as the healthiest choice,” Huber writes, concluding, “The health and future of our teens depend on a common-sense approach that works” (Huber, USA Today, 7/30).
From USA Today: Opposing view: Abstinence works
At TellThem!, we believe, while abstinence-only may work as a birth control method that prevents pregnancy with 100% certainty, abstinence-only as a primary policy for preventing teen pregnancy is not sufficient. Our young people must receive the medically accurate information and education they need to avoid the high-risk behaviors that lead to unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections such as HIV.
What do you believe?