[scoussysows]

Now, I don't actually expect this to convince you of anything, but I'd like to offer this: Given that there is a paucity of data to indicate that abstinence-only programs have been effective, I supplied a quite well supported and attested study that showed several things.

1. Abstinence only education is effective in delaying the age of first sexual contact (quite significantly so), and in reducing the average number of lifetime partners (from about 6) to about 3. The consequences of these are manifold, including reductions in STDs, likelihood of pregnancy, etc. I would argue that at least half of the reduction has been through the use of more effective abstinence-only programs introduced.

What the study also found is that pledgers were very sensitive to the overall family structure. If they were with their mom and dad, they were much less likely to go on and do their own thing vs all other alternatives. That was the single largest predicate for whether someone would keep a pledge.

[Guaranano]

Source number 2 conveniently omits Clamydia, HPV and Herpes.

These counts do not include incurable STDs such as genital herpes and human papillomavirus infection, for which no up-to-date estimates have been made by the WHO. Approximately 74,000 new HIV infections are estimated to have occurred in 1997 in North America and western Europe.2

Information is scarce on trends in Europe and North America for chlamydia (defined here as including only genital chlamydial infection), genital herpes and human papillomavirus infection, and when information is available it covers only the 1990s

[DownloadADOBEsoftware]

States that employ abstinence-only programs show a decrease in the percentage of sexually active teenagers, a decrease in the percentage of pregnant teenagers who receive abortions, and an increase in the percentage of sexually active teenagers who are pregnant or have STDs Agree with parts 1 and 2. I dispute parts 3 and 4.

Study 5:

This region has consistently had higher reported rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea and primary and secondary (P&S) syphilis than the other regions of the country (Northeast, Midwest, and West). The reasons for these higher rates in the South are not well understood, but may include differences in the racial and ethnic distribution of the population, poverty, and availability and quality of health care services. If we look at the county by county data, it paints a much different figure. Do note, that these are the figures for everyone, not just teenagers, and so your data here is useless in evaluating the question at hand.

[Deengealf]

The study would have been better if it was Finger, Tingle, and Mohn.

[JMLot]

If you really want to keep people from getting laid, buy them a WoW subscriptions.

[Galinastva]

The trouble with Ben's preferred solution (which he conceded in the last thread, but never really owned up to) is that it requires, by his own admission, that people be regular church-going believers. All the people. Those who aren't, but are subjected to "abstinence only" sex ed, are pretty much screwed. Hah, see what I did there?.

Talk about the cure being worse than the disease!

-Arrian

[maxtp]

I only wish more Christians practiced perpetual abstinence as Ben does. Will you pledge to commit seppuku when I get married?

[gydrorway]

Will you pledge to commit seppuku when I get married?

Not an especially Christian sentiment there Ben.

[SoftrermaBioniaSat]

sex with teens. oooopps

[ChicasCams]

sex with teens. oooopps

18 and 19 are still "teens"

And in most states the age of consent is 16

[angelxmagic]

Pfft, tell her she can join in

[zilsolley3]

I don't agree on his sentiment on it being easy. Granted, I've managed well so far, but then again I haven't had a girl friend yet either. Never been the easy to fall in love type. But when it is hard enough when not in a relationship, don't call it easy when in a relationship Ben. It sounds like you think so. I surely hope you don't. Countless friends, family and generations before us disagree. Some managed it, most failed. Which don't mean we can't try of course. Well you are making a bunch of assumptions.

1. That I've not been, and that I'm not currently in a relationship.
2. That I've found it easy.

I'm not sure where I've said I thought it was easy? It's not, but it's IMO the right thing to do.

[ANCETPYNCTEXT]

I agree with Ben that abstaining from sex is a 100% sure way to avoid pregnancy.

The problem is actually abstaining. Lots of people say they're going to, and then one moment of "weakness." Worse, however, is the misinformation people like BK spread, that condoms won't actually protect you from stds, when, in fact, they generally do. So people who've had abstinence only sex miseducation are also more like to get sick, as well as preggers.

BK represents the party of darkness, ignorance, and evil in this world. Unfortunately, they will probably be successful in their attempt to bring about a new dark age.

[numinertyuesk]

The road is pointless. I really wish I'd never been a Christian.

[fudelholf]

The road is pointless. I really wish I'd never been a Christian. Why don't you come back Che?

He still loves you very much and hasn't forgotten you.

[PharmaDrMan]

What, that God loves you?

[Xutrsavf]

I've seen photos of Lenin, Marx, etc. Show me a photo of YHWH.

[Slchtjgb]

He still loves you very much and hasn't forgotten you.

So Jesus is an obsessive fag?

[Prealiitellg]

Why should abstinence and sex education programs contraception programs be mutually exclusive anyway?

Because fundies don't like it? I think both should be taught. But teaching about how condoms prevent STDs & pregnancy is right out for some (which is strange because plenty of Protestant denominations believe birth control is ok... just after marriage).

[GogaMegaPis]

Why should abstinence and sex education programs contraception programs be mutually exclusive anyway?

They are as exclusive as 'Using sex related words' and 'not using sex related words'.