they eventually do become sexually active they will not know how to use them, which would decrease their chances of actually using them.
It is important for teens to understand that waiting until marriage to have sex is important; however, it is also important for us to realize that may not always happen. “Virtually all Americans have sex before marrying – a fact that has been true since the 1950s” (Keefe 5). In today’s society it is very important to provide information and stress the fact that abstinence is the most effective way to stop unwanted pregnancies and STD’s. It is also very important to provide additional information just in case teens decide to have sex outside of marriage. Abstinence only endorses one thing (abstinence) while Sex Ed endorses both concepts (abstinence and contraceptives).
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Sue Alford describes the Sex Ed curriculum as: “Teaches about abstinence as the best method for avoiding STDs and unintended pregnancy, but also teaches about condoms and contraception… It also helps young people explore their own values, goals, and options” (3). The Sex Ed curriculum understands that abstinence is the best way to prevent STD and pregnancy rates, but they are also understanding that not everyone will wait until marriage to become sexually active. Because of this, they make sure they provide information that could benefit everyone. Although Sex Ed includes information regarding all aspects of sex, Abstinence Only Programs are a different story.
The curriculum in Sex Ed and Abstinence Only Programs differ but the overall message in both are the same. “The overall goal of abstinence only education is to teach a concept that true love is willing to wait. By encouraging an avoidance of potentially risky sexual behaviors, students can avoid issues like HPV infections, unplanned pregnancies, and other health