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The fact is that these abstinence-only education programs do not work because they lack a key element: ACTUAL education. They teach kids that sex is dangerous but don't tell them WHY sex is a dangerous and risky behavior. They teach kids that sex is something to be ashamed of, that it's dirty, and should be kept behind closed doors. Well, kids are keeping it behind closed doors and doing it without knowing that EVERY sexual behavior has an inherent risk.
Because they are taught not to have vaginal intercourse, they seek out other sexual behaviors--behaviors which are even RISKIER than vaginal intercourse as far as transmission of STDs goes. They are LESS likely to use protection when engaging in these behaviors, and are less likely to know that those behaviors can also transmit STDs. They are taught to be afraid of pregnancy and not disease. Thus they are even more at risk than kids who are taught methods of protection and about the transmission of disease. Scare tactics don't work. Education does.
I am completely and totally against abstinence-based education.
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If I am not better, at least I am different. --Jean-Jacques Rousseau
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