Difference between revisions of "Abstinence"
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(Use Heritage and Mathematica's self-descriptions. Use Mathematica's own language. Note finding that abstinence programs DON'T reduce use of protection, a liberal concern) |
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:..."the goal of Federal policy should be to emphasize abstinence as the only certain way to avoid both unintended pregnancies and STDs."<ref>[http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/02/welfare-book-06.html WORKING TOWARD INDEPENDENCE] Encourage Abstinence and Prevent Teen Pregnancy, White House News and Policies, February 2002</ref> | :..."the goal of Federal policy should be to emphasize abstinence as the only certain way to avoid both unintended pregnancies and STDs."<ref>[http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/02/welfare-book-06.html WORKING TOWARD INDEPENDENCE] Encourage Abstinence and Prevent Teen Pregnancy, White House News and Policies, February 2002</ref> | ||
| − | The new Democratic-controlled Congress wants to abolish abstinence-only [[sex education]] programs, arguing that fornication is the norm (i.e., inevitable). | + | The new Democratic-controlled Congress wants to abolish abstinence-only [[sex education]] programs, arguing that fornication is the norm (i.e., inevitable). |
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| + | Studies of the effectiveness of abstinence programs have yielded differing conclusions. A 2004 study by a self-described "conservative think-tank"<ref>[http://www.heritage.org/about/ The Heritage Foundation: Our Mission] "Founded in 1973, The Heritage Foundation is a research and educational institute - a think tank - whose mission is to formulate and promote conservative public policies based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a strong national defense."</ref> found that virginity pledges significantly reduce premarital sex without putting backsliders at risk. <ref> Teens Who Make Virginity Pledges Have Substantially Improved Life Outcomes | ||
by Robert E. Rector, Kirk A. Johnson, Ph.D., and Jennifer A. Marshall | by Robert E. Rector, Kirk A. Johnson, Ph.D., and Jennifer A. Marshall | ||
| − | Center for Data Analysis Report #04-07 [http://www.heritage.org/Research/Abstinence/cda04-07.cfm] </ref> | + | Center for Data Analysis Report #04-07 [http://www.heritage.org/Research/Abstinence/cda04-07.cfm] </ref> A 2007 study by a self-described "nonpartisan research firm" found that "the programs had no effect on the sexual abstinence of youth. But it also finds that youth in these programs were no more likely to have unprotected sex."<ref>[http://www.mathematica-mpr.com/abstinencereport.asp Impacts of Four Abstinence Education Programs]</ref><ref> |
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$1bn 'don't have sex' campaign a flop as research shows teenagers ignore lessons, The Guardian [http://www.guardian.co.uk/usa/story/0,,2058066,00.html]</ref> | $1bn 'don't have sex' campaign a flop as research shows teenagers ignore lessons, The Guardian [http://www.guardian.co.uk/usa/story/0,,2058066,00.html]</ref> | ||
The abstinence policy of the Bush administration has also been heavily critized as being unrealistic, ignoring the real issues and misleading. <ref>Bush "abstinence only" program lies to kids about sex, HIV dangers[http://www.unknownnews.org/04121402abstinence.html]</ref> | The abstinence policy of the Bush administration has also been heavily critized as being unrealistic, ignoring the real issues and misleading. <ref>Bush "abstinence only" program lies to kids about sex, HIV dangers[http://www.unknownnews.org/04121402abstinence.html]</ref> | ||
Revision as of 13:03, April 23, 2007
The word abstinence means refraining from indulging in an appetite.
In the 1800s and 1900s, the word "abstinence," used without other explanation, almost always meant abstinence from alcohol. The "abstinence movement," for example, led to the establishment of prohibition. Teetotaler mean someone who advocated "total abstinence," rather than just moderation.
Starting in about the 1990s, "abstinence" has been more commonly used in the context of abstinence from sexual intercourse, particularly in the United States in the context of sex education for adolescents. Thus, for example, we read in a 2002 White House policy statement:
- ..."the goal of Federal policy should be to emphasize abstinence as the only certain way to avoid both unintended pregnancies and STDs."[1]
The new Democratic-controlled Congress wants to abolish abstinence-only sex education programs, arguing that fornication is the norm (i.e., inevitable).
Studies of the effectiveness of abstinence programs have yielded differing conclusions. A 2004 study by a self-described "conservative think-tank"[2] found that virginity pledges significantly reduce premarital sex without putting backsliders at risk. [3] A 2007 study by a self-described "nonpartisan research firm" found that "the programs had no effect on the sexual abstinence of youth. But it also finds that youth in these programs were no more likely to have unprotected sex."[4][5] The abstinence policy of the Bush administration has also been heavily critized as being unrealistic, ignoring the real issues and misleading. [6]
Notes and references
- ↑ WORKING TOWARD INDEPENDENCE Encourage Abstinence and Prevent Teen Pregnancy, White House News and Policies, February 2002
- ↑ The Heritage Foundation: Our Mission "Founded in 1973, The Heritage Foundation is a research and educational institute - a think tank - whose mission is to formulate and promote conservative public policies based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a strong national defense."
- ↑ Teens Who Make Virginity Pledges Have Substantially Improved Life Outcomes by Robert E. Rector, Kirk A. Johnson, Ph.D., and Jennifer A. Marshall Center for Data Analysis Report #04-07 [1]
- ↑ Impacts of Four Abstinence Education Programs
- ↑ $1bn 'don't have sex' campaign a flop as research shows teenagers ignore lessons, The Guardian [2]
- ↑ Bush "abstinence only" program lies to kids about sex, HIV dangers[3]