Sex Education for All

It is unethical for teenagers to be put in sex education programs that teach abstinence only and disregard information on sexually transmitted diseases and contraceptives. Nine states in the US do not have a mandate on sex education. Out of those nine states, four rank within the top twelve states with the highest teenage birth rates (Lowen). Investing in abstinence only programs censors medically accurate, honest information about sex and sexual health which could potentially place many teenagers in unwanted danger and increase the rates of teenage pregnancies.

Advocates of abstinence only until marriage programs argue that teaching this way will delay teenagers’ first sexual encounters. They argue that making teens take a virginity pledge is a strong way to keep teens from engaging in these behaviors. This is just not true. A study conducted found that 88% of students who took a virginity pledge had broken the pledge, and were also less likely to use contraception or condoms once engaging in intercourse (Hauser). Another report found that 80% of the most popular curriculum taught by federally funded abstinence only programs distorted information on the effectiveness of contraceptives, treated stereotypes about girls and boys as fact, and also contained many scientific errors (Hauser).

Another method used in abstinence only education is to teach the “just say no” approach, in which teenagers “just say no” to sexual activity. This approach however, is highly unrealistic. A teenagers decicion to engage in sexual behavior can be made due to many outside factors, the most benefit the programs have shown is delaying teens behavior for up to 18 months. However, after that timeframe, teenagers within the programs are far less likely to use contraceptives or condoms, simply because they were not given proper education (Hauser). These teenagers are at higher risk for STDs and teenage pregnancies, studies showing a 50% decrease in risk for students who are placed in comprehensive sex education programs (KFF).

Abstinence only programs have only shown negative impacts on teenagers’ sexual health and also increase their risk of teenage pregnancy. Teens’ decisions to engage in sexual behavior is minimally impacted by the abstinence only based sex education they may receive in schools. However, by giving accurate, comprehensive information to teenagers, only shows a benefit in decreasing the risks that come with the behavior. If you are impacted by abstinence only programs, speak up! Write to your school board or local legislature. Either that, or talk to a trusted adult. Polls reveal that 85% of parents want schools to teach about forms of contraceptive and their benefits (Hauser). Do not be afraid to educate yourself. Teenagers health lies in the hands of having a means to proper sexual education. Gatekeeping and misinforming teenagers on the subject only does harm.