What Are The Benefits Of Abstinence-Only Sex Education Programs

The federal funding of abstinence-only sex education programs has been a controversial topic for years. For over a decade the United States has been funding abstinence-only programs, but the question still remains whether or not these programs are effective and should be continued. This is a controversial topic because the United States has the highest rates for teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases amongst the developed nations. Although we do need to reduce the rates for teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, I believe that federal funding of abstinence-only sex education programs should be revoked. While there is a strong need to implement programs to reduce high teenage pregnancy and STD rates, these programs should be effective and they should not be costly. Between 1996 …show more content…
However, research shows that abstinence-only programs have been proven to be ineffective at delaying sexual activity and reducing teenage pregnancy rates. A review of ten cities in 2002 of abstinence-only sex education programs revealed that nine cities could not provide credible evidence that the programs reduced the frequency of sex, or delayed the initiation of sex (Hauser, 2004). While this is not representative of all abstinence-only programs, it is enough to realize that abstinence-only programs are not as effective as some would like to think. In 2004, a review of a 11 state-based evaluation showed that not only were there little evidence of long term impacts on the attitudes and intentions of those enrolled in the programs, but it was also shown that when these youths did engage in sexual activity they were unwilling to use contraceptives, or partake in any other activity to prevent negative sexual health outcomes (Advocates for Youth, 2004). If preventing teens from engaging in sex is failing then these programs should at least prevent negative sexual health