Teens are healthier when they have the opportunity to be learn using a comprehensive sexuality approach. Scientific research shows again and again that comprehensive sex education programs, which provide teens with complete, accurate sexual health information, are very effective for teens.

However, there is no scientific evidence that abstinence-only-until-marriage programs, which do not give complete and accurate information on contraceptives, are effective for teens.

Over 15 years of research has shown that comprehensive sexuality education is effective. Specifically, comprehensive sex ed programs that encourage abstinence, promote condom use, and teach sexual communication skills do reduce risky sexual behavior that teens at risk for HIV, and delay when young people begin sexual intercourse.

Since ONLY comprehensive sexuality education teaches teens about contraceptives, like condoms and the Pill, only comprehensive sexuality education has been proven effective at preventing teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

Here are some ways for you to compare the two programs and whether or not they have been effective for other teens. It is also a great time to decide which program would work for you and your school.

Abstinence-until-marriage programs keep kids in the dark!

• Under limited circumstances" teens and pre-teens who took virginity pledges decided not to "lose their virginity" for about 18 months, but they sure did not wait until marriage!

• The teens and pre-teens who took virginity pledges were one-third less likely to use contraception, like condoms and the Pill, when they did become sexually active than other teens who had not pledged.

• In Minnesota, at three schools that used the abstinence-until-marriage program called ENABL, the rates of sexual activity doubled!

Comprehensive sexuality education gives teens the info they need to make healthy decisions…

• Comprehensive sexuality education programs are effective in delaying when teens start having sex, reducing the number of sexual partners, and increasing contraception and condom use.

• Comprehensive sexuality education programs work to reduce the rates of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies.

• Comprehensive sexuality education programs are what experts believe in, such as: The American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Nurses Association, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Psychological Association, the American Public Health Association, the National Institutes of Health and the Institute of Medicine.

Editors' Note: What is the sex ed program like in your school, and do you think it's effective? Click here to talk to us and get published on our Web site.

Sources: SIECUS Public Policy Office Fact Sheet, and "Legislators Craft Alternative Vision of Sex Education to Counter Abstinence-Only Drive," by Heather Boonstra. The Guttmacher Report on Public Policy. May 2002.