Study shows abstinence is best

News from the Abstinence Clearinghouse

A sex education researcher reported in a Congressional briefing on April 29th that when measured by the same standards of effectiveness, comprehensive sex education programs in America's classrooms do not show more evidence of success than abstinence education programs. This conclusion contradicts recent claims made by journalists and Congressional representatives.

Some more highlights:

• Researches reviewed 119 studies of sex education, comprising 20 years of research by social scientists in the U.S.
• They found 44% of abstinence programs had improved rates of teen abstinence, while only 36% of "comprehensive sex education" programs had improved some measure of condom use. No school-based comprehensive sex education programs were found that increased consistent condom use for more than three months.
• Researchers then analyzed the programs according to what it considered to be more meaningful standards of effectiveness: 1) Did the program increase teen abstinence or consistent condom use? 2) Did this behavior change occur for the target population and not just for a subgroup of students? 3) Did the effect last at least one year, that is, from one school year to the next? Applying these criteria, they found that a higher percent of school-based abstinence programs were effective than CSE programs: 36% vs. 25%.
  

And remember, abstinence is 100% effective at preventing pregnancy and STDs, leaving you free to focus on your dreams and goals!