Pro Sexual Education
Over the last several years, there has been an on-going dispute as to what approach schools in the United States should take when it comes to sexuality education. The American Congress has emphasized funding abstinence-only programs, which argues that sex before marriage is immoral and inappropriate, over comprehensive sex education, which emphasized the benefits of abstinence while also teaching about contraception and disease-prevention methods. The abstinence-only approach to sex education is not supported by the extensive body of scientific research on what works to protect young people from HIV/AIDS, STI’s and unplanned pregnancy. On the contrary, research clearly shows that certain comprehensive sex education or "abstinence-plus" programs are working towards positive behavioral changes among young people. Peer-reviewed, published research has also shown that these comprehensive sex education programs do not encourage young people to engage in sexual activity earlier or have a greater amount of sexual partners.
The expected standard of human sexuality is a mutually monogamous relationship in the context of marriage. Practicing abstinence until marriage upholds the family as the basic unit of society and recognizes marriage as the framework for the family. Abstinence identifies marriage as the only acceptable and legitimate place for the sexual experience, as well as the only appropriate framework for childbearing and that avoidance from premarital sexual activity, including but not limited to sexual intercourse, is the expectant standard for the unmarried. There is no arguing that practicing abstinence until marriage is the only way to be 100% safe against contracting STIs and preventing unwanted pregnancy. However, when looking at trends in today’s society, it is seen that a large percentage of youth are sexually active.
“One of the best data sources for on sexual and self-protective behaviors of young people is the Youth Risk...
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