Sex Education in Schools: Abstinence-Only Programs Essay -- argumentati

Sex Education in Schools: Abstinence-Only Programs Teenage sexual activity is a major problem confronting the nation and has led to a rising incidence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and teenage pregnancy. The existence of HIV/AIDS has given a sense of urgency to the topic of sex education. The issue of sex education in schools especially in the formative years has been a subject of intense debate among parents, school officials, health scientists and religious authorities worldwide for a considerable period of time. The debate centers on comprehensive sex education versus abstinence-only sex education in school. Abstinence only sex education is a sex education model that focuses on the virtue of abstinence from sexual activities; therefore, encouraging sexual abstinence until marriage. This form of sexual education completely ignores all other elements of comprehensive sexual education like safe sex and reproductive health education issues like the use of contraceptives and birth control methods. Comprehensive sex tea ching encourages promiscuous sexual activity as â€Å"a natural part of life.† Proponents of abstinence only education activists cite several reasons why this type of education is the best. It focuses on the upholding of moral virtues. They also claim that sex outside marriage hat is â€Å"encouraged† by the comprehensive sex education which as a result, has some emotional and physical downfall especially when done at a very young age. They blame the comprehensive sex education for failing to discourage premarital sex especially at this time when the HIV pandemic is busy devouring young people in various parts of the world (Deborah 2). In fairness, both programs were designed to decrease the incidence of STDs... ...u, Denmark, Durban: Macmillan, 2004. Print. Miller, Becky. â€Å"Sex Education: Why Teach Abstinence Only?† Opinion and Editorial, AC, 21 June 2006. Web. 29 Nov 2009. Roger, J. R. Sexuality education: what adolescents' rights require. North Carolina: Levesque. 2003. Print. Robert T. F.et al. Sexuality in America: understanding our sexual values and behavior.‎ New York: Willey, 1999. Print. The Abstinence Clearinghouse. â€Å"Most parents Advocate Abstinence Education for Their Children.† At Issue: Sex Education. Ed. Kristen Bailey. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2005. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Gale. Baltimore County Public Library. Web. 11 Nov 2009 Zanis, D. A. â€Å"Use of sexual abstinence only curriculum with sexually active youths.† Children & Schools 27.1 (2005): 59-63. Print.