Difference between revisions of "Abstinence"
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| − | . | + | The word '''abstinence''' means refraining from indulging in an appetite. |
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| + | 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'' meant someone who advocated "total abstinence," rather than just moderation. | ||
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| + | 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."<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> | ||
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| + | Studies of the effectiveness of abstinence programs have yielded differing conclusions. A 2004 study by the Heritage Foundation (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 | ||
| + | Center for Data Analysis Report #04-07 [http://www.heritage.org/Research/Abstinence/cda04-07.cfm] </ref> A study funded by the Administration of [[liberal]] President [[Bill Clinton]] through Mathematica Policy Research found that "the programs had no effect on the sexual abstinence of youth."<ref>[http://www.mathematica-mpr.com/abstinencereport.asp Impacts of Four Abstinence Education Programs]</ref> But this study reached this [[liberal]] conclusion by omitting abstinence education during the pivotal high schools.<ref>http://www.frc.org/get.cfm?i=WU07D09</ref> | ||
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| + | [[Liberals]] oppose abstinence policies and [[Planned Parenthood]], a powerful liberal organization, profits from teenage sexual activity{{fact}}. Yet the facts are undisputed: abstinent teens do not get infected with STDs or become pregnant from having sex. | ||
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| + | ==Notes and references== | ||
| + | <references/> | ||
| + | [[category:education]] | ||
Revision as of 23:33, July 10, 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 meant 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]
Studies of the effectiveness of abstinence programs have yielded differing conclusions. A 2004 study by the Heritage Foundation (a self-described "conservative think-tank")[2] found that virginity pledges significantly reduce premarital sex without putting backsliders at risk.[3] A study funded by the Administration of liberal President Bill Clinton through Mathematica Policy Research found that "the programs had no effect on the sexual abstinence of youth."[4] But this study reached this liberal conclusion by omitting abstinence education during the pivotal high schools.[5]
Liberals oppose abstinence policies and Planned Parenthood, a powerful liberal organization, profits from teenage sexual activity[Citation Needed]. Yet the facts are undisputed: abstinent teens do not get infected with STDs or become pregnant from having sex.
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
- ↑ http://www.frc.org/get.cfm?i=WU07D09
