The Pros And Cons Of Abstinence Of Sex Education

The highest teen pregnancy rate resides in Mississippi, which has an abstinence only sex education curriculum. Abstinence means to restrain oneself from indulging in something usually not good for them or others. In this case, abstinence is a form of sex education, where it teaches students to restrain from having sexual relationships with others until marriage. Sex education shouldn’t be centered around abstinence. Although it teaches good morals, it has many downfalls as well. It leads to a higher risk of developing STDs and HIVs, more teen pregnancies, and abstinence doesn’t accommodate LGBT people. Teaching an abstinence sex education curriculum doesn’t include on how to protect against and prevent STDs and HIVs. In many states condom
People argue that laws are made to maintain good morals, so why is abstinence sex education, a class that teaches good morals not as respected (Helmick)? Others say abstinence protects a person from selfish use. A common thought is that, “People are creatures made by God for their own sake, not for use as a means of gaining emotional or physical pleasure” (Helmick). Another valid claim is that kids have other things to worry about than sex and STD prevention when it is easier to just refrain from it completely and wait till marriage. Though these are justifiable beliefs they are not always reasonable. Teenagers should be informed about these things because if they don’t learn now who will tell them later? Also sometimes it is not by the person's choice to engage in sexual behavior, rapists don’t ask permission. In addition to that teenagers are told to “just say no” which can be a very difficult thing. Finally, following an abstinence relationship can lead to trouble. It causes couples to be married early on in the relationship which can cause issues leading to an early divorce because they were not meant for each other, but they wanted to stay “pure” so they eloped soon after the relationship began. Furthermore, abstinence may be a good idea, but is not always as reasonable as perceived by some
However at the present time it should be different. Times have changed and the sex education curriculum should follow suit. In spite of the fact that abstinence only sex education teaches good morals it is not the ideal teaching method anymore. It makes for a higher risk of STDs and HIV, more teen pregnancies, and it doesn’t accommodate LGBT people. Out with the old, in with the new, informative sex education classes hopefully will the new “best way” of teaching sex