Though there is no one clearly defined phrase to capture what abstinence is really about, it can easily be said that it is “postponing sex”. Abstinence is not a religious issue though people can make a promise to God, it is more about a promise to yourself. Being committed to yourself, and finding out who you are before you let another person enter your life in such an impassioned way. One study of program directors and adolescent teens were asked what remaining abstinent meant to them, they responded that is was “being responsible”. The AOE (Abstinence- Only Education) stated that abstinence should teach kids that they can have mutually faithful and loving relationship with another person without sexual intercourse. Abstinence from sexual intercourse can only be perfectly described as full protection against …show more content…
A public opinion poll was taken by parents and it focused on what they thought was best for their child to be taught in public schools. Nationwide, it seemed that parents did not want their child to know the different ways to have oral, anal, or vaginal sex. 99% of the parents wanted their child to be taught about sexually transmitted diseases and infections. 95% of parents wanted their child to be informed about how to wait for the right person, and wait until they are older. Also, how to make responsible choices based on the teen’s individual values was favorite, with 91% votes. These subjects are all taught in most abstinence education programs. It was documented that 92% of middle and junior high school students and 96% of high school students thought that abstinence- only education is the best way to prevent pregnancy. Abstinence teaches the importance of attaining self-sufficiency before engaging in sexual activity, and the harmful psychological and physical side effects of engaging in sexual intercourse too