Liberal myth

Abstinence education doesn’t work.

The facts

Abstinence education has been shown to be successful in several surveys.

• 10 scientific evaluations showing that real abstinence programs can be highly effective in reducing early sexual activity
• Real abstinence education is a fairly young field with few existing programs, but early results show promise

Why abstinence?

• Every day, 8,000 teenagers in the United States become infected by a sexually transmitted disease
• Roughly one-quarter of the nation’s sexually active teens have been infected by a sexually transmitted disease
• In 2000, some 240,000 children were born to girls aged 18 or younger
• Sexually active teens are more likely to be depressed and to attempt suicide (See chart, see chart)

Popular with parents

Government funding ignores parents’ preferences about what is best for their own children.

• 85 percent of parents believe that teaching about abstinence should be emphasized as much as, or more than, teaching about contraception
• Only eight percent believe that promoting contraception is more important
• In 2002, the government spent $12 on contraception services and promotion for each dollar spent on abstinence education

Related Heritage research

• Robert E. Rector, Melissa G. Pardue, and Shannan Martin, “What Do Parents Want Taught in Sex Education Programs?” January 28, 2004
• Melissa G. Pardue, Robert E. Rector, and Shannan Martin, “Government Spends $12 on Safe Sex and Contraceptives for Every $1 Spent on Abstinence,” January 14, 2004
• Robert E. Rector, Kirk A. Johnson, Ph.D., and Lauren R. Noyes, “Sexually Active Teenagers Are More Likely to Be Depressed and to Attempt Suicide,” June 3, 2003