Who out there thinks teaching abstinence is wrong?

Question

After all, it's still the only 100% guaranteed way to prevent pregnancy. I think I'd rather teach my children this, than throw a box of condoms they're way, saying "they're going to do it anyway..."

Answer 1

The catholic church sends missionaries to Africa to teach indiginous tribes abstinence, so far more have died from Aides. No it's not working.

Answer 2

I don't. I think it's stupid to think that kids aren't going to have s*x just because you tell em not to. And if Palin wants that for her kids that's fine but don't tell me my kids can't learn about responsible birth control. Not every parent wants a teenage pregnant daughter.  

Answer 3

I really don't think that teaching abstinence is wrong but its not the only thing that should be taught because yes they are going to do it anyway.  s*x Ed should cover everything from abstinence to protection to STDs, etc.  

Answer 4

Well, it doesn't work 100% either because kids still have s*x, and end up pregnant because schools aren't allowed to teach safety.

I can't understand why they can't be taught simultaneously, in conjunction.  Teach people that it's the only way to be 100% safe, and that there are safer ways to do it if it's going to happen.  My larger concern is STDs, not pregnancy...the latter costs more ultimately, but the rate of STD transmission is staggering!  

Kids think the pullout method is just as assuring as abstinence because they listen to their friends and misguided reasoning...abstinence only just doesn't work for everyone.  No one is saying to throw a box of condoms at a 14 year old, but "don't have s*x" just isn't effective for everyone.  Most of my friends in HS that had boyfriends/girlfriends were the ones who their parents forbid them to have one.  Most of the kids that drank are the ones whose parents strictly forbade it.  People, especially adolescents, love to do things they're not supposed to do; the more stigmatized you make it, the more appealing it seems.

Answer 5

Abstinence is not wrong. It is assuming that your children practice abstinence. What you teach them are values their entire life. From birth forward. You don't just all of a sudden say here you go, have fun because you will do it anyway. Children rarely see into the future. That is why 12-15 year olds are the highest growing group to contract STD's. They don't think of cause and affect. They dont' think of consequenses. You teach your children the best way and an alternative way.  

Answer 6

Teaching abstinence is fine.  

Teaching abstinence ONLY is just plain retarded.

Answer 7

exactly as 1 poster put it.. teaching abstinence is never wrong.. but it just shouldnt be the ONLY option taught.

Abstinence, "but then if they are going to do it anyways" then teach safe protection.   what's so hard about teaching 2 things?    

Plus, c'mon, what hormonally charged, wanting-so-badly-to-rebel teen isn't going to have s*x to see what it feels like?   Be realistic, this isn't a nice, 1950s utopian society anymore and anyone still thinking or living as if it is that way is just a fool!   modernize for god's sake or get left behind.

Answer 8

i don't think it is wrong.  abstinence is a very good policy.

it's all about taking responsibility for one's actions and not murdering your baby.

a 9-week fetus will explore its own features and curl its fingers around an object in its palm.

a 13-week fetus will play with its toes and suck on its own hand.

now pretend that's not a human being with feelings that is being chopped to bits in mortal agony.

Answer 9

Teaching abstinence only in public schools is wrong (and very ineffective).

Teaching reality is what works. related areas between our teens and European ones is astounding. Teaching reality works:

The Facts

Adolescent Sexual Health in Europe and the U.S.—Why the Difference?

Answer 10

Teaching is not wrong, and it should be done at home.  back to family values

Answer 11

I think teaching only abstinence is wrong.  Teenagers have a penchant for doing stupid things, after all.  We should them inform them of all forms of protection.

Answer 12

Both abstinence and s*x education help kids make inform decision. s*x is not such an easy decision when you have hormones going crazy. So please save me the fairy tales, and admit even if you saved your self  you   sure as h**l substituted. And you couldn't wait for the real thing.

And all that wait for nothing, only to give it up to two, three or more guys.

Answer 13

I don't think teaching abstinence only is wrong. I think it's just plain stupid.

Answer 14

Its not wrong but it is unlikely to work in most cases. The risk you runs is that if that's all you teach then when your kid does start having s*x they will be scared to talk to you about it.

Answer 15

Abstinence education is a great tool.  It just shouldn't be the ONLY tool.

Answer 16

If you are talking about parents teaching their own children, then I do not think any one would say that a parent choosing to teach their own child (even if they taught abstinence only and refrained from any information of birth control) was wrong.  If they did say it was wrong, then they are just meddling busy bodies that are trying to impose their own sense of morality on others.  Those kind of people are very annoying and detrimental to the fabric of our society.  If you are talking about teaching abstinence in schools, then that is another matter.  If you teach abstinence, then you must teach the means which empowers abstinence, which is Grace.  It has been decided that Grace may not be presented in schools.  Therefore, teaching abstinence in schools should not take place.  To teach abstinence without presenting the Grace which will make it possible will result in promiscuity at best and insanity at the worst.  If parents teach abstinence without presenting Grace, then they are wrong.  (That is not an example of imposing my morality on others, Jesus said it so take it up with Him.)  And defeating the ends which they hope to achieve.  As for schools, I then human sexuality should be presented to the degree that it is necessary to prepare persons for the work force, or for further education.  That is the purpose of schools.  Beyond this sexuality is a religious matter and should be left out of the schools.  Unless people are trying to impose their own religious beliefs on others.  But I for one, find that rather annoying.

Answer 17

Teaching abstinence is honorable, but unproductive.  Teaching kids how to protect themselves from unwanted pregnancy and STD's, as well as promoting self-esteem and strong decision making will do way more to curb the problem than just telling kids not to have s*x.  Abstinence only s*x education has been proven to have absolutely NO effect on birth rates or incidence of STD's.  Parents who think abstinence is the only teaching are doing their children a disservice - raging hormones are a physiological fact during puberty.  You're in denial if you think teaching them not to have s*x is going to keep them from having s*x...

Answer 18

It's wrong to ONLY teach abstinence. Abstinence only programs have been found to NOT prevent teenagers from having s*x.  The choice does not have to be just abstinence or just condoms as you describe.  

Answer 19

Teaching abstinence isn't wrong, just ineffective.  I understand your quandary.  It's very difficult.  But "they're going to do it anyway" isn't something a parent says while shrugging his shoulder.  It's the truth.

They ARE going to do it anyway.

Answer 20

I don't think that anyone thinks that

It is 'abstience ONLY' that people disagree with

Answer 21

Well, Palin's daughter did do it anyways.  See what happens.

Information is NEVER a bad thing.  And no one is stopping you from saying you shouldn't tell your kids they shouldn't have s*x.

Once you make it mysterious and not talked about is when they rush to find out what the big secret is.

Answer 22

Been there done that.   You know they'll probably slip up now and then, but you have to teach them the right way.

Do you teach 2+2 is 4?  Or do you tell them 4 is too hard, go with three?

When teaching them to drive, do you tell them to stop at stop signs and signal turns? Or do you say its OK to blow it off if you think you won't get caught?

I have no problem with the kids using contraception, but I'm sure as he££ not going to tell them promiscuity is OK!

Answer 23

I am pro-choice. That means I support abstenance, protection, adoption, abortion and any other legal means.  I guess that makes me a hardened, crusty old republican because I didn't say "PROCHOICE (i.e. abortion) ONLY!!!"

Answer 24

Teaching it is not wrong, but failing to tell children how to protect themselves if they do have s*x is.  

Answer 25

The only reason that abstinence is failing is because we have removed the shame and taboo on illegitimate children. There are very few deterrent as strong as humiliation.

The fact of the matter is that "safe s*x" education increases the number of teenage pregnancies by raising the rate of teenage intercourse.

Answer 26

There is nothing at all with teaching abstinence. You are correct that it is the only 100% effective prevention. However, if you do not also teach birth control you do a gross disservice.

Recent history shows that teaching abstinence only does not work. The teen birth rate has increased steadily since that approach was started.

By teaching them how to avoid pregnancy if they do succumb to the hormones that often drive teen behavior, at least they stand a better chance of not getting pregnant.

Additionally, when they some day get married, they may wish to have sexual relations with their spouse before they desire to start a family.

Answer 27

apparently just about all the obama supporters think its wrong but they think its ok to bash a 17 year old girl and suggest that her mother has hid one pregnancy already  

Answer 28

Teaching abstinence as one option (and even as the best option) is not wrong.  

Teaching it as the only option and failing to teach about contraception is wrong.

Answer 29

i think children should be taught all their options abstinence included, but they should also be able to discuss birth control options with their parents