THE VIRGINITY COMPLEX: HOW ABSTINENCE ONLY SEX EDUCATION FAILS KIDS
Okay folks, buckle up because we're about to talk about everyone's favorite subject: sex education! Specifically, we're going to dive into the wacky world of Texas public schools and their partnership with crisis pregnancy centers to teach sex ed. Yes, you read that correctly. The same centers that try to talk women out of getting abortions are now trying to teach our kids about the birds and the bees. What could possibly go wrong?
First of all, let's talk about the elephant in the room: abstinence-only education. Look, I get it. Waiting until marriage to have sex is a noble goal. But let's be real, it's about as effective as a leaky rubber. Kids are going to have sex, and pretending otherwise is like sticking your head in the sand. Plus, abstinence-only education is about as funny as a root canal. It's like telling a kid they can't have candy and then never explaining why. Of course they're going to sneak it when you're not looking!
But seriously, folks. The power of human sexuality is greater than any MAGA Christian rules saying save it for marriage and other claptrap being spouted in Texas sex ed classes run by MAGA Christians. We need comprehensive sex education that covers everything from contraception to consent. And no, teaching kids about condoms isn't going to make them go out and have sex. It's like saying teaching kids about seat belts is going to make them go out and crash their cars.
Now, let's talk about these crisis pregnancy centers infiltrating our schools. They claim their approach is effective, but public health experts say otherwise. Their curricula can be misleading and biased, and they often use fear-based tactics to promote abstinence-only education. I mean, come on. Scaring kids into not having sex is like trying to scare a cat into not chasing a laser pointer. It's not going to work.
And let's not forget the elephant in the room: these centers are pushing an anti-abortion agenda. They're using their influence to sway young minds and promote their own beliefs. It's like letting McDonald's teach nutrition classes. Sure, they might talk about the importance of fruits and veggies, but at the end of the day, they're still going to try to sell you a Big Mac.
Look, I'm not saying we should ban crisis pregnancy centers from our schools. But we need to be aware of their agenda and the potential harm they can cause. We need to demand comprehensive sex education that gives our kids the tools they need to make informed decisions about their bodies and their health. And we need to do it with a sense of humor, because let's face it, sex is funny. It's messy and awkward and hilarious. So let's embrace that and teach our kids in a way that's both informative and entertaining.
In conclusion, folks, we need to take sex education seriously. We can't rely on leaky rubbers or fear-based tactics to keep our kids safe and healthy. We need comprehensive sex education that covers everything from contraception to consent, and we need it taught by qualified professionals who aren't pushing their own agendas. And most importantly, we need to remember that sex is funny. So let's laugh a little while we learn a lot.
How anti-abortion centers teach sex ed inside Texas public schools | The Texas Tribune https://www.texastribune.org/2023/10/02/crisis-pregnancy-centers-texas-sex-ed/
Which sex ed approach works best for STI and pregnancy prevention? Research remains unclear | KQED https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/62450/which-sex-ed-approach-works-best-for-sti-and-pregnancy-prevention-research-remains-unclear
PROOF POINTS: The research evidence for sex ed remains thin https://hechingerreport.org/proof-points-the-research-evidence-for-sex-ed-remains-thin/
Comprehensive Sexuality Education to Reduce Pregnancy and STIs in Adolescents in the United States: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: American Journal of Sexuality Education: Vol 18, No 1 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15546128.2022.2080140
THE DEFT DIVE
FROM BARD AI
Abstinence-only sex education (AOE) is a form of sex education that teaches that abstinence from sexual activity is the only way to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). AOE programs typically do not provide information about contraception or safe sex practices.
AOE programs have been widely criticized for being ineffective and harmful. Research has shown that AOE programs do not delay sexual activity or reduce rates of pregnancy and STIs. In fact, some studies have shown that AOE programs may actually increase the risk of these outcomes.
AOE programs have also been criticized for promoting negative attitudes towards sex and sexuality. These programs often teach that sex is shameful and wrong outside of marriage. They may also promote harmful gender stereotypes and reinforce traditional sexual norms.
Despite the evidence against AOE, these programs continue to be funded by governments and religious organizations around the world. In the United States, the federal government has spent billions of dollars on AOE programs since the 1980s.
Here are some of the key problems with abstinence-only sex education:
- * **It is not effective in preventing pregnancy and STIs.** Research has shown that AOE programs do not delay sexual activity or reduce rates of pregnancy and STIs. In fact, some studies have shown that AOE programs may actually increase the risk of these outcomes.
- * **It is harmful to young people.** AOE programs can promote negative attitudes towards sex and sexuality, and can reinforce harmful gender stereotypes. They can also leave young people unprepared to deal with the realities of sex and sexuality, such as unwanted sexual advances and pressure to have sex.
- * **It is not comprehensive.** AOE programs do not provide young people with the information they need to make informed decisions about their sexuality and sexual health. They do not teach about contraception or safe sex practices, which can leave young people at risk of pregnancy and STIs.
Comprehensive sex education, on the other hand, is a form of sex education that teaches about both abstinence and contraception. Comprehensive sex education programs provide young people with the information they need to make informed decisions about their sexuality and sexual health. They teach about contraception, safe sex practices, and healthy relationships.
Research has shown that comprehensive sex education is effective in preventing pregnancy and STIs. It also helps young people develop positive attitudes towards sex and sexuality, and can reduce the risk of sexual violence.
The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association, and other leading public health organizations recommend comprehensive sex education for all young people.
Here are some of the benefits of comprehensive sex education:
- * **It delays sexual activity.** Studies have shown that comprehensive sex education can delay the onset of sexual activity.
- * **It reduces rates of pregnancy and STIs.** Studies have shown that comprehensive sex education can reduce rates of pregnancy and STIs among young people.
- * **It improves sexual health outcomes.** Comprehensive sex education can help young people develop positive attitudes towards sex and sexuality, and can reduce the risk of sexual violence.
- * **It is effective for all young people.** Comprehensive sex education programs can be tailored to meet the needs of all young people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Conclusion
Abstinence-only sex education is an ineffective and harmful approach to sex education. Comprehensive sex education is the best way to help young people make informed decisions about their sexuality and sexual health.
FROM BING AI
Abstinence-only sex education is a form of sex education that teaches not having sex outside of marriage. It often excludes other types of sexual and reproductive health education, such as birth control and safe sex. ²
Some people may support abstinence-only sex education because they believe it is the only morally correct option for teenagers, and that it can prevent unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, there is no evidence that abstinence-only sex education is effective at achieving these goals. In fact, studies have shown that abstinence-only sex education is ineffective, misleading, and even harmful to young people. ¹²⁸
Some of the drawbacks of abstinence-only sex education are:
- - It denies young people necessary and even life-saving information about their own bodies, reproductive health, and sexuality. [^10^]
- - It uses fear tactics to promote abstinence and to limit sexual expression. ¹³
- - It discusses condoms and contraception only in terms of failure rates, and often exaggerates these rates. ¹³
- - It provides no information on forms of contraception other than condoms, leaving young people unprepared for preventing pregnancy if they do become sexually active. [^10^]
- - It omits controversial topics such as abortion, masturbation, and sexual orientation, or presents them in a negative or biased way. ²¹³
- - It teaches only one set of values as morally correct for all students, regardless of their personal beliefs, cultural backgrounds, or sexual identities. ¹³
- - It does not address the issues of consent, sexual violence, healthy relationships, or gender equality. [^10^]
Some alternatives to abstinence-only sex education are comprehensive sex education and abstinence-plus education. Comprehensive sex education teaches about abstinence as the best method for avoiding STIs and unintended pregnancy, but also teaches about condoms and contraception to reduce the risk of these outcomes. It also teaches interpersonal and communication skills and helps young people explore their own values, goals, and options. Abstinence-plus education is similar to comprehensive sex education, but it stresses abstinence as the best way to prevent pregnancy and STIs, while also providing information on contraception and condoms. ¹¹³
Both comprehensive sex education and abstinence-plus education have been proven to be more effective than abstinence-only sex education in delaying sexual activity, reducing sexual risk behaviors, increasing condom and contraceptive use, and preventing STIs and pregnancies among young people. They also provide positive messages about sexuality and sexual expression, including the benefits of abstinence. They respect the diversity of students' backgrounds and experiences, and empower them to make informed decisions about their sexual health and well-being. ¹⁴⁷
Source: Conversation with Bing, 10/2/2023
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- (2) Abstinence Education Programs: Definition, Funding, and Impact on ... - KFF. https://www.kff.org/womens-health-policy/fact-sheet/abstinence-education-programs-definition-funding-and-impact-on-teen-sexual-behavior/.
- (3) Abstinence-Only-Until-Marriage Programs Are Ineffective and Harmful to .... https://www.guttmacher.org/news-release/2017/abstinence-only-until-marriage-programs-are-ineffective-and-harmful-young-people.
- (4) Federally Funded Abstinence-Only Programs: Harmful and Ineffective .... https://www.guttmacher.org/fact-sheet/abstinence-only-programs.
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- (7) Pros and Cons of Sex Education in School Children: Review - IDOSR. https://idosr.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IDOSR-JAS-51-42-45-2020.-UN.pdf.
- (8) Abstinence-Only Sex Education: Arguments For And Against. https://edubirdie.com/examples/abstinence-only-sex-education-arguments-for-and-against/.
- (9) The Pros And Cons Of Abstinence-Only Education In Texas. https://www.gogreenva.org/the-pros-and-cons-of-abstinence-only-education-in-texas/.
- (10) Abstinence Education: Weighing Pros and Cons | Education. https://www.education.com/download-pdf/article/98043/.
- (11) The Effectiveness of Abstinence Education Programs in Reducing Sexual .... https://www.heritage.org/education/report/the-effectiveness-abstinence-education-programs-reducing-sexual-activity-among.
- (12) Sex Education Standards Across the States - Center for American Progress. https://www.americanprogress.org/article/sex-education-standards-across-states/.
- (13) Abstinence Only Education is a Failure | Columbia Public Health. https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/news/abstinence-only-education-failure.
- (14) Abstinence-Only Education States [Updated August 2023]. https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/abstinence-only-education-states.
