Two Types of sex education
Abstinence-until-marriage
Basic philosophy:
Abstinence from sex until marriage and fidelity in marriage are the best decisions to ensure sexual health and potential marital health. Parents are the best source of information regarding sexuality.Contraceptive-focused
Basic philosophy:
It’s a personal human right to determine when to begin sexual activity – regardless of age. Sex is for pleasure. Pregnancy and birth can be avoided. Marriage is one choice in life. Parents are not to interfere in minors’ decisions.
Teen Sexual Activity is Decreasing (Abstinence ed is working!):
1991 = 54.1% high school students were active
1995 = 53.1%
1999 = 49.9%
2003 = 46.7%
2005 = 46.8%
Teen Birth Rates are Decreasing (Abstinence ed is working!)
1991 = 61.8 per 1,000 teens
2006 = 41.9 per 1,000 teens
Continuing Threats
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Continue to Increase
2006 = 19 million new infections in U.S., almost half are in young people ages 15-24.
Direct medical costs estimated are $15.5 billion annually.
Decision: Do we want our children and teens to be sexually active? No! Because…
- They are more susceptible to STIs.
- Teens who are pregnant have a higher rate of pregnancy/birth complications.
- Teens who decide to parent as singles have a high rate of poverty and being on welfare.
- Children of unmarried teen mothers have higher risk of low birth weight and being a victim of neglect, score lower on intelligence tests and have a higher rate of behavior problems.
