Abstinence-Only Education Is Harmful to American Teens

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In 1913, sex education became a topic that was found to be an important education tool. Since then, this form of education has been a hot and debatable topic among many Americans. The original reason for sex education classes was to reduce problems such as sexually transmitted illnesses and prostitution. In recent years, abstinence has become the focus of sex education curriculum. Abstinence means refraining from sex completely. Although, it is the only one-hundred percent way to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies, abstinence-only instruction should not be the only form of sex education taught. Our youth need to know about all aspects of sex. This intails how to protect them if they choose to become sexually active, where to go in case of unplanned pregnancy, what options are available and proper boundaries, which includes the right to say no. Sex may also be a subject some parents may not feel comfortable talking to their children about, as well as, important issue that encompass living a healthy sexual life style. Unfortunately, because of this many of our youth will be left uneducated and found to be at a much higher risk for problematic issue such as, STD’s, HIV, and teen pregnancy. Recent surveys show that 70 percent of U.S. teens have engaged in oral sex by the time they reach 18, and more than 45 percent have had intercourse at least once. More than 70 percent of young women and 80 percent of young men approve of premarital sex, according to a study published recently in the Review of General Psychology. In addition, studies show sexually transmitted diseases are spreading at an alarming rate among young people. This proves that abstinence-¬¬¬only education is not beneficial for those wh... ... middle of paper ... ...ears of Abstinence-Only-Until-Marriage Education: Assessing the Impact." Advocates for Youth. Advocates for Youth 2008, n.d. Web. 14 Apr. 2011. . Research, Sexuality, and Social Policy. "Abstinence-Only a Failure, Latest Research Shows | National Sexuality Resource Center (NSRC)." National Sexuality Resource Center (NSRC). National Sexuality Resource Center, San Francisco State University, 2 Dec. 2010. Web. 14 Apr. 2011. . Santelli, M.D., M.P.H., John , Mary A. Ott, M.D., Maureen Lyon, Ph.D., Jennifer Rogers, M.P.H., Daniel Summers, M.D., and Rebecca Schleifer, J.D., M.P.H.. "Abstinence and abstinence-only education: A review of U.S. policies." Journal of Adolescent Health 38 (2006) 72–81 38 (2006): 72-81. Print.

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