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Abstinence only does not work in the real world
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The American Medical Association founded on June 30th, 2009, that abstinence only sex education does not reduce birth rates and sexual activity. The AMA recommends that the federal government should instead use the funding towards teaching teenagers contraceptives and other sex education. The federal government has spent about $1.1 billion on abstinence sex education since 1996.
The problem with sex education is that telling children that “not to have sex before marriage” is like telling a toddler not to touch the hot stove. Obviously, the toddler isn’t going to listen and touches the hot stove, and so are teenagers when it comes to sex. They are curious, hormonal young human beings that are meant to have sex.
Young girls growing up today are not all properly trained for sex. Many Christian homes expect their young ladies to wait until marriage, and even have these balls where girls make promises to their fathers to remain a virgin until marriage. Either the parents are really naïve, or they believe “God will save their souls from sexual distraction”.
Really, the best way is to practice both. Say “I’d rather you not have sex, but if you are going to, let me teach the best ways of protecting yourself from harm.” Parents will probably expect fewer surprises such as pregnancy. Sometimes, it’s not because the family is religious, but parents rather not be a grandparent anytime soon. The earlier you talk about sexual issues, the better, and the more comfortable the parent will be. Also, be open-minded, so that the child can come sooner rather than later with issues.
The other thing is women are more likely to be raped, and even if your child doesn’t practice sex, doesn’t mean they won’t get abused somehow. You should teach your girl(s) sex education, so if something bad happens, they know they can go to the hospital to be checked out, or to the local pharmacy for Plan B if need be. By not teaching girl’s sex education, if they get raped, they may not say anything and just mark it as some terrible experience. Women and girls who get raped don’t really talk about it afterwards.
It’s funny that if you go to church, they tell you not to have sex until your married. But then you go home, and watch “The Real World” for example, or music videos and everything has to do with sex practically. There is no way a young person can not be tempted to have sex. And unless you are keeping your children sheltered, there is no way a child cannot be exposed to sex.
Abstinence only can work for some, and should be taught. But relying on a promise that your child won't have sex until marriage isn't enough. There are different types of parents, ones who don't want to deal with the talk, some who do it poorly, and then others who can't wait until their child is old enough to talk about sex.
When East Providence High School had "Purity Week" a few years ago (annual), when reading responses to being a virgin, most girls and boys said that they have had sex. Very few people admitted to being virgin. In high school, it is almost taboo to be a virgin. Many people also signed on a piece of paper that they will abstain from sex, but about the same number of people took it as a joke. The high school at the time had 2000 kids, most with some kind of religious background. Teaching children abstinence and safe sex will help. But not only that, teach them that getting pregnant or getting an illness is a serious thing. Also, just because your kid knows what could happen, doesn't mean that they get it either. Bust that bubble of "it won't happen to me" early.
. Girls and women are the ones who get hurt most from sex. They are the ones who get pregnant, get diseases and even pass it on to their lifetime partner or child or both. Having a young girl in today’s society go out there without sex education and to “remain abstinence only” is like sending a warrior to battle without any weapons. Many women have had abstinence only sex education, and in the end, it just makes them look stupid. The federal money should be put into healthcare for women, not to poorly educate them.
The links below have facts about AMA case and what the studies found. Please be aware there needs to be more studies done on the other side as well.
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