Condom

The condom has been promoted as a birth control device, as well as a means of preventing venereal disease. It is not as effective as abstinence or fidelity.

Some government-supported programs to distribute condoms to teenagers have been credited with reducing out of wedlock teen pregrancy, but the success of these programs is debatable. Opponents charge that condom distribution is counterproductive, as it sends a tacit (but clearly perceived) message that pre-marital sex (and even fornication) is good. Some sociologists and most Christians reject this message, the latter obviously on religious and moral grounds.