Abstinence Clearinghouse Points to Two Reports Supporting Abstinence Education
One pro-abstinence group which blasted Rep. Henry Waxman’s report alleging that Abstinence education programs are faulty pointed to two reports released yesterday by the Center for Disease Control and National Center for Health Statistic to argue that abstinence education does work.
According to Abstinence Clearinghouse, one of the reports, “Teenagers in the United States: Sexual Activity, Contraceptive Use, and Childbearing, 2002” shows fewer teens are having sex, especially males age 15-19. The report also shows teens choosing to engage in sexual activity at older ages.
“It’s hard to argue with numbers. Abstinence education is reaching kids where they’re at and helping them to make healthy choices for their futures,” said Leslee J. Unruh, president of the Abstinence Clearinghouse, in a press release.
“Kids want the truth. Contraception educators have been lying to them for decades, saying that sex outside of marriage can be casual and safe. That’s just not true and kids have learned it the hard way, by watching their friends get pregnant or contract an STD. They want something better. That’s why they’re choosing abstinence.”
In response to one statistic estimating 9 percent of sexually active females age 18-24 reported that their first intercourse was nonvoluntary, Unruh said the number “underscores the need for age-appropriate discussion about good touch/bad touch and the need for teaching refusal skills to young girls.”
The Abstinence Clearinghouse said the results from the second report, “Use of Contraception and the Use of Family Planning Services in the United States: 1982 – 2002,” also revealed more women are relying on family planning services but birth spacing and pregnancy prevention education were worsening.
“Contraception pushers wanted studies and in-depth analysis of sex education programs,” said Unruh. “Well, they got them. I hope they’re ready. They’ve got some explaining to do.”
