Table of Contents
What is abstinence-only until marriage?
teaches abstinence from sexual activity outside marriage as the expected standard for all school-aged children. (C) teaches that abstinence from sexual activity is the only certain way to avoid out-of-wedlock pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and other associated health problems.
What is an abstinence-only program?
In general, abstinence-only programs, also known as “sexual risk avoidance programs,” teach that abstinence from sex is the only morally acceptable option for youth, and the only safe and effective way to prevent unintended pregnancy and STIs.
How do you promote abstinence?

These tips will help you get started.
- Be honest about how you feel.
- Tell them why!
- Look for teachable moments.
- Start talking early – even before they start dating.
- Openly discuss HIV, STDs, and pregnancy.
- Let them know it’s ok to have sexual feelings.
- Teach them how to say no.
What is the difference between abstinence-only and abstinence plus?
Abstinence-plus interventions are designed to prevent, stop, or decrease sexual activity while promoting safer sex practices for persons who choose to engage in sex. In contrast, abstinence-only interventions promote abstinence as the only way to prevent HIV infection.
Why is abstinence the only way?
Abstinence protects people against STDs from vaginal sex. But STDs can also spread through oral-genital sex, anal sex, or even intimate skin-to-skin contact (for example, genital warts and herpes can spread this way). Complete abstinence is the only way to guarantee protection against STDs.

What states are abstinence-only?
Abstinence-Only Education States
- Mississippi.
- Texas.
- Arizona.
- Arkansas.
- Louisiana.
Do abstinence programs work?
In theory, abstinence is 100% effective at preventing pregnancy and STIs. However, many adolescents who intend to practice abstinence fail to actually do so, and they often fail to use condoms or other forms of contraception when they do have intercourse.
Why abstinence is the best choice?
Abstinence can be a way to avoid the risks that come with sex — like pregnancy and STDs — until you’re ready to prevent and/or handle them. Abstinence can also help you focus on other things in your life that are important to you, like friends, school, sports, activities, having fun, and planning for your future.
Do abstinence-only programs work?
An HHS-funded analysis found that abstinence-only programs do not affect the incidence of pregnancy, HIV or other STIs in adolescents. Young people who express intentions to wait until marriage to have sex have the same rates of premarital sex, STIs, and anal and oral sex as their peers who do not take pledges.
What is wrong with teaching abstinence?
According to the researchers, these programs also violate adolescent human rights, withhold medically accurate information, stigmatize or exclude many youth, reinforce harmful gender stereotypes, and undermine public health programs.
Why would you choose abstinence give 3 reasons?
wanting to avoid pregnancy and STIs. having fun with friends without sexual involvement. pursuing academic, career, or extracurricular activities. supporting personal, cultural, or religious values.
What are two benefits of abstinence?
What percentage of schools teach abstinence-only?
Forty-seven percent of their schools taught abstinence-plus, while 20% taught that making responsible decisions about sex was more important than abstinence. (Middle schools were more likely to teach abstinence-only than high schools. High schools were more likely than middle schools to teach abstinence-plus.
What are the pros and cons of abstinence?
What are the pros and cons?
- The Pros of Abstinence include: Has no side effects or health risks. Prevents pregnancy and the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. Free.
- The Cons of Abstinence: Requires willpower and discipline.
What are four abstinence skills?
What skills can help you practice abstinence? Setting clear limits, communicating limits, avoiding high-pressure situations, and asserting oneself are all ways to stay abstinent.
Why is abstinence ineffective?
Harmful to young people Abstinence-only programs promote judgment, fear, guilt and shame around sex. These programs frame premarital sexual activity and pregnancy as wrong or risky choices with negative health outcomes and seek to shame sexually active young people.