Feb 04 2010
Being Fair to Abstinence-Only Sex Education
Okay, I’ve got to be fair. New research has just come out that with this finding: Abstinence-only intervention may play a role in preventing sexual involvement among teens.
Admittedly, I’m biased. Because it is overwhelmingly religious folk pushing for abstinence-only sex “education” in schools, I’m wary of it. Perhaps extra-skeptical. But because I am committed to science, I’ve got to be fair. If research shows a failure of abstinence-only programs, I’ll note it. And if research shows a success, I’ll note that too.
Here’s the science, in brief:
After two years, one-third of the abstinence-only group reported having sex, compared to one-half of the control group. . . .
While abstinence-only intervention did not eliminate sexual activity all together, this is the first randomized controlled study to demonstrate that an abstinence-only intervention reduced the percentage of adolescents who reported any sexual intercourse for a long period, in this case two years, following the intervention. [bold added]
Alright, a study found effectiveness for abstinence only. I await replication. And a footnote to the article makes that point:
“No public policy should be based on the results of one study, nor should policy makers selectively use scientific literature to formulate a policy that meets preconceived ideologies. Well-done studies, especially randomized controlled trials, are an important element of the data on which informed policy rests. They should be reviewed carefully to develop policies that promote the health of our nation.” [bold added]
Hear, hear, for the “preconceived ideologies” part. Yet even if replicated, I would not be for abstinence-only programs. Why? Because the effectiveness of a program is just one element. While a theory-based abstinence-only programs may lack any overt connection to religion, it is a moral issue, despite this passage:
The abstinence-only intervention was based on principles shown to be effective in reducing the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS, and did not use a moralistic tone or portray sex in a negative light. It encouraged abstinence as a way to eliminate the risk of pregnancy and STIs. [bold added]
Sex and morals are tightly interwoven. Look at the big issues in the major religions. Sex, sex, sex. Abstinence-only programs, in the least, have social and moral implications. The title alone, “abstinence-only” is exclusive.
Effectiveness aside, I’d opt for sex-ed programs that include not-only abstinence information. For I believe in providing education for education’s sake, with an eye out to pragmatic concerns, sure, but not limited by them. My values include honoring the freedom of all individuals and families to select their own path in a full range of alternatives.
[...] And our final post for the 135th edition of the Carnival of the Godless is from Andrew Bernardin from The Evolving Mind, and he writes about abstinence-only sex education (a relevant topic for Darwintine’s Day – you wouldn’t want your gametes to actually meet, now, would you? Well, perhaps if you wanted to pass on some genetic mutations to the next generation…). But wait, he’s not going all-out against it? It appears… Ooh, there’s some research out suggesting that it could actually be effective. See what Andrew makes of the study at Being Fair to Abstinence-Only Sex Education. [...]
[...] I was really intrigued by The Evolving Mind’s article entitled “Being Fair to Abstinence-Only Education”. It’s quite difficult to have a conversation about sex education without someone stomping [...]
Considering that I don’t care if teenagers have sex, I only care about if the education in question actually teaches about the existence of birth control, how to use it effectively, as well as basic sexual health (ranging from periods to nocturnal emissions). And teenagers are going to grow older and the vast majority are going to have sex at some point. We don’t need people thinking that the rhythm method is effective, the hormonal birth control causes abortions, or that sex with a virgin cures HIV. Encourage abstinence, sure, but impart the knowledge of what is sexually important for when they are sexually active.