Abstinence-only-till-marriage

The term “abstinence education” means an educational or motivational program which teaches:

A) the social, psychological, and health gains to be realized by abstaining from sexual activity;

B) that abstinence from sexual activity is the only certain way to avoid out-of wedlock pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and other associated health problems;

C) that abortion or bearing children out-of-wedlock is likely to have harmful consequences for the adolescent mother, the child’s parents, and society;

D) young people how to reject sexual advances and how alcohol and drug use increase vulnerability to sexual advances, and

E) the importance of attaining self-sufficiency before engaging in sexual activity.

Public Support for Comprehensive Reproductive Sexuality Education

The overwhelming majority of parents and teachers want comprehensive sexuality education programs in our nation's schools. The voting public realizes that, while we may hope that our teens do not become sexually active before they are emotionally and physically prepared. Young people deserve all the information.

Comprehensive Reproductive Sexuality Education:

Phase-I

· teaches that sexuality is a natural, normal, healthy part of life

· teaches that abstinence from sexual intercourse is the most effective method of preventing unintended pregnancy and STDs, including HIV

· offers students the opportunity to explore and define their individual values as well as the values of their families and communities

· includes a wide variety of sexuality related topics, such as human development, relationships, interpersonal skills, sexual health, and society and culture

· includes accurate, factual information on masturbation, pregnancy, abortion, and sexual orientation

· provides positive messages about sexuality and sexual behavior, including the benefits of abstinence

Phase-II

· teaches that the proper use of latex condoms, along with water-based lubricants, can significantly reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of unintended pregnancy and of infection with STDs, including HIV

· teaches that consistent use of contraception can greatly reduce a couple's risk for unintended pregnancy

· includes accurate medical information about STDs, including HIV; teaches that individuals can avoid STDs

· teaches that religious values can play an important role in an individual's decisions about sexual behavior; offers students the opportunity to explore their own and their family's religious values

Phase-II

· teaches that a woman faced with an unintended pregnancy has options: ending the pregnancy with an abortion or

· carrying the pregnancy to term and raising the baby,

· carrying the pregnancy to term and placing the baby for adoption.