Many programs promote sexual abstinence in their teachings. But is this right? Do abstinence-only programs work? The American Public Health Association says “No.” While abstinence is the best form of protection against sexually transmitted diseases such as Syphilis, Herpes, AIDS, etc., often times these programs do not ensure abstinence in their pupils. Most abstinence-only programs prohibit the teaching about condoms and other contraceptives for preventing unwanted pregnancies and STDs.
Programs such as “True Love Waits,” in which teens pledge to be sexually abstinent till marriage, have good intentions, but 88% of teenagers who took such pledges admitted to having engaged in sexual intercourse before marriage. These teens that have slipped from their pledges not only engaged in sexually intercourse, but many of them did so unsafely because they were never taught in their abstinence-only programs the safe way to do it.
On the Opposing Views Argument I have been following, the two main opponents in this discussion have been APHA and Life Way, a Christian organization. While Christianity takes a whopping 76% of the country’s population, it is not the only religion in this great melting pot of ours. Christians are not the only people that enroll in public schools. While abstinence from sex is the most effective way to keep one’s self safe from the previously stated nasty, horrific diseases as well as unwanted pregnancies, who are we to force our beliefs on others? What right do we have to tell others how to live their lives? As Americans, we have “…certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” and in those unalienable rights somewhere, you’ll find the liberty to choose for yourself what you think is right.
The best solution to this ethical dillema is a comprehensive sex-ed course. Or atleast, offer both courses and allow the parents of the child to decide the best method for their children. Comprehensive? Sounds like a good compromise to me.
You’ve constructed a solid argument here, Princess. In this exercise, you were to label the pieces of the argument according to Toulmin’s theory so that I could see if you understand and can apply his theory.
Oh… sorry. I’ll go back and do that.