Analysis Of 10 Arguments For Abstinence Debate By Linda Lowen

Linda Lowen writes about both sides of the abstinence education debate in her article “10 Arguments for Abstinence - Pros and Cons of the Abstinence Debate.” Ms. Lowen has discussed each side thoroughly before moving from one topic to the next and presents herself as unbiased for most of her article. She briefly states her stance about contraceptive after discussing the data for a logical solution. Throughout her paper she uses logic and statistics as a baseline for the issues while building upon them with other rhetorical strategies for an unbiased and compromisable approach to sexual education. The basis of Ms. Lowen’s article is the use of logic and evidence for each side of the debate. Those for abstinence or comprehensive education each get ten reasons to support her argument: “Abstinence from sex is the only form of pregnancy prevention that is 100% effective… Teens who break their vows of abstinence are much less likely to use contraceptives than those who do not pledge abstinence” (Lowen Sec 1/Par 4, 2/5). Presenting both sides of the issue, not only widens the audience, but also allows for information and

Ms. Lowen’s credentials as “women’s issues expert” is directly under her picture next to the article. This allows for readers to trust her arguments on abstinence and pregnancy rates. Since the audience is mainly women Ms Lowen refers to other women’s issues experts to validate her claim while maintaining a connection to the audience on a personal level: “Author and women's issues advocate Jessica Valenti argues, "While boys are taught that the things that make them men — good men — are universally accepted ethical ideals, women are led to believe that our moral compass lies somewhere between our legs…”(Lowen 2/8). Using ethos as the final puzzle piece ties in the logos base with the pathos statements Ms. Lowen is made in her