Contraception

Contraception (Lat. against conception) generally refers to methods of preventing pregnancy (birth control). There are many different methods, each having its own level of effectiveness and safety. The safest and most effective form of birth control is abstinence.

The controversy over this in the United States mainly involves two alternative approaches:

1. "abstinence-until-marriage" education programs, advocated by many self-identified conservatives and supported by President Bush
2. "comprehensive sex education", advocated by most self-identified liberals, and many others.Template:Fact-political

Conservatives maintain that abstinence-only education is the only completely effective means of education.Template:Fact-politicalTemplate:Fact-scientific Some studies have shown that the effectiveness of abstinence-only education is not as effective as believed. In 1997 the Republican controlled Congress authorized a ten year study of the effectiveness of abstinence only sex education. This study concluded that abstinence only sex education did not have an impact on sexual behavior, those receiving abstinence only education were as likely as a control group to engage in pre-marital sex, had as many sexual partners, and first engaged in sex at the same mean age (they were also as likely to use protection, contrary to what some previous studies had shown). .