We, the teen editors of Sex, Etc., strongly oppose abstinence-until-marriage sexuality education. We believe it’s time for the federal government and other supporters of abstinence-until-marriage sex ed to recognize our rights, as young adults, to make informed decisions about our sexual health.

We believe teens should receive comprehensive sexuality education that, in addition to abstinence, provides accurate information about other sexual behaviors, contraception, unintended pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and communication and decision-making skills.

We oppose abstinence-until-marriage sex ed for the following reasons.

Abstinence-until-marriage sexuality education …

… ignores the fact that two-thirds of high school students have sex before the end of high school.1 By focusing only on abstinence until marriage, these programs ignore the many teens who have already chosen not to remain abstinent.

… does not prevent teens from becoming sexually active. There has never been any scientific study showing that abstinence-only education programs delay the onset of sexual intercourse among teens.2

… usually includes inaccurate or exaggerated information about condom failure rates.3 By giving teens false information about condoms, abstinence-until-marriage programs discourage condom use among teens. This is highly dangerous, since 42 percent of sexually active teens did not use a condom the last time they had sexual intercourse, putting themselves at risk for STDs, including HIV.4

… ignores sexual orientation and the sexual health education of gay and lesbian teens.5 It suggests that they can never have sex—since they can’t legally marry.

… provides no information about the effectiveness of birth control and emergency contraception.6 A sexually active teen who regularly has sex without using contraception has an 85 percent chance of becoming pregnant within a year.7 And teens who might be pregnant from sexual violence like rape or incest need information about emergency contraceptive pills. It is not right to deprive them of information about their options.

… usually includes exaggerated statistics and medically inaccurate information about STDs, including HIV.8 Each year, one in four sexually active teens gets an STD, and one-quarter of all new HIV infections occur among people under age 21.9 Teens need accurate information about STDs, especially where and how to get tested.

… is not what most adults and teens want taught in public schools. In fact, 89 percent of adults want classes that teach about contraception for the prevention of STDs and unwanted pregnancies.10

… uses scare tactics. Instead of teaching about sex in a balanced, honest way so that teens can make their own decisions, abstinence-until-marriage programs use scare tactics to try and frighten teens.

… is at odds with what we already see about sex in the media. Teens need sexual education that reflects what we see and hear around us. More than one-half of TV programming has sexual content, not to mention the sexual content in music videos, movies, and on the Internet.11

… treats all sexual activity outside of marriage as wrong. When handled responsibly, sex is a positive, healthy part of many peoples’ lives, whether they’re married or not. Even though many religions and cultures believe that sexual activity belongs only in marriage, these beliefs should not be forced on everyone.

We've got evidence to support all of our claims. Check out our sources below.

Teens Speak Out on Sex Ed

Sex, Etc. asked national correspondent Dolly England, 18, from Vancouver, WA, to interview teens in her community about the sex education debate. Here are six teens’ views.

Does abstinence-until-marriage sex education work? Why or why not?

“Only giving one alternative about sex is not enough. Sex education is so minimal as it is. There are ways to talk about sex without condemning or promoting it.”
—Dustin Casidy, 17

“Kids are going to have sex. Instead of finding ways to scare teens, use information to teach them the facts about sex and how to protect themselves.”
—Justin Mackewich, 18

“At my school, they have a 40-year-old woman come in during the week of prom and she talks about sex, and how we shouldn’t have it. Even if we tell kids not to have sex, there’s always someone that does. We need to give them information so they know how to handle it.”
—Claire Rourk, 17

“The more we tell kids not to do it, the more they will. We need to surround them with a safe and healthy sexual environment, instead of a scary one.”
—Amy Theberge, 16

“People are going to have sex. And they should know the proper way to do it. Otherwise, they’ll get pregnant or get some diseases.”
—Melissa Haydone, 18
What’s the best way to educate teens about sex?

"I would like to see a combination of both abstinence and comprehensive sex education. We need to know our options. Kids need to know that it’s OK to abstain as well as have sex when they’re prepared.”
—Brittany Clayton, 18

“I think we should start sex education earlier. I didn’t get most of mine until 11th or 12th grades. By that time, I’d already formed an opinion. Most teens who are running into problems are having sex at a younger age.”
—Justin Mackewich, 18

“I have friends who started having sex in the 8th grade. That’s a good reason why sex education should start earlier.”
—Dustin Casidy, 17

Editor's Note: Do you want to improve sex ed at your school? Download or order The Roadmap: A Teen Guide to Changing Your School's Sex Ed.

Sources:

1 D. Kirby, Emerging Answers: Research Findings on Programs to Reduce Teen Pregnancy. National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. 2001. Washington, D.C.

2 D. Kirby, same source.

3 Advocates for Youth. “Sexuality Education Programs: Definitions & Point-by-Point Comparison.” Transitions. Volume 12, No. 3. March 2001. Washington, D.C.

4 Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. 1999 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Atlanta, GA

5 Advocates for Youth, same source.

6 Advocates for Youth, same source.

7 Robert A. Hatcher, et al. Contraceptive Technology, 17th Revised Edition 1998. New York: Ardent Media.

8 Advocates for Youth, same source.

9 Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, same source.

10 SIECUS/Advocates for Youth. Survey of America’s Views on Sexuality Education. 2000. Washington, D.C.

11 David Satcher. Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Promote Sexual Health and Responsible Sexual Behavior. 2001. Washington, D.C.