Comments on: Abstinence Education Works

By: Vader

Vader — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 22:01:28 +0000

Actually, Bart, it's claimed that there have been eleven previous studies with the same conclusion:

This week, the media gave us what appeared to be startling news: Research, appearing in a journal published by the American Medical Association, showed (shock!) that abstinence programs dramatically reduced teen sexual activity. No one knowledgeable about abstinence education, however, would find this startling. In fact, eleven previous sound studies showed strong positive effects from abstinence programs. The mainstream media simply ignored them. Unfortunately, the most recent story came too late — President Obama and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have already terminated the federal government’s abstinence programs.

Link

By: Bart Mortensen

Bart Mortensen — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 15:41:39 +0000

I find it very curious that Mr. Greenwood would quote the ONE study that he mentions here. However, there must be 50 studies out there who find just the opposite. Just goes to show that you can find some kind of study somewhere that supports your point of view.

By: Adam Greenwood

Adam Greenwood — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:06:51 +0000

Federalism–the idea that those in power will voluntarily limit their power.

http://douthat.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/02/04/the-abstinence-debate-cont/

By: Adam Greenwood

Adam Greenwood — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:19:13 +0000

Djinn, thanks for the clarification.

By: djinn

djinn — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 02:58:16 +0000

Adam Greenwood, much of the sex education today counts as what you are calling “abstinence education.” The education actually teaches kids about the proper use of contraceptives–this is in no way “abstinence only education.” Just to be clear. It’s actual sex education including how to prevent pregnancy if you’re not abstinent. But, it says that abstinence is a very good idea. Good.

But don’t put this in the same box as “abstinence only” education, because it’s completely different.

By: Rosalynde

Rosalynde — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 18:35:18 +0000

I’d disagree with Dan above, that abstinence education works simply by providing information and allowing kids to weight pros and cons. Human sexual behavior is rarely governed by a rational process of deliberation—especially when we’re talking about middle schoolers. That’s why the “safe sex” model has failed so spectacularly among certain groups.

I think abstinence ed can work, as long as it occurs in a context where the right social/sexual incentives are in place for girls. That’s why it works for LDS. Maybe the program studied was able to change those incentives a bit for the kids in question.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 05:13:18 +0000

@Adam
I just meant that most of them wouldn’t be having it anyway, so keeping them from doing something a lot of them wouldn’t be doing isn’t the same as keeping 16-year-olds, who are much more likely to have sex, from having it.

By: Jerry

Jerry — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 05:03:03 +0000

Adam, It all depends on what you consider bad outcomes. Is there any evidence of how it is playing in the most sexually active ages? Yes there is and the those outcomes are not as positive.

By: Adam Greenwood

Adam Greenwood — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 04:01:36 +0000

Tim,
the study reportedly found that abstinence only education did not lead to decreased use of contraception among those teens who did have sex.

By: Jerry

Jerry — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 02:19:14 +0000

Adam, at the bottom of the USA Today article on this study it clearly stated that Teen pregnancy and abortion has increased. That previously reported statistic tied the first increase in 15 years to the abortion rate to abstinence only education. It is obvious that teaching 12 yr olds to wait to have sex reduces the number of 12-13 yr olds having sex. What does it do for 17 and 18 yr olds? This study does not cover that but the increase in teen pregnancy and abortions for the latest year available 2006 should be an indication. I do not think that middle school should be the palace to teach contraceptives but any 17 year old senior in high school should have a full understanding of contraceptives and STDs. This study did not address that at all and does not validate abstinence only as a solution for all teen sexual issues. It suggests it helps early and pre-teens make better decisions. But sex education was introduced to reduce abortions and the spread of STDs which it has.