The latest HUFF assignment was to write an argument supporting to the other side. So to take a stand on the “Yes” side, I searched the net to find this array of information.
In March of 2004, Robert E. Rector wrote an article for The Heratige Foundation promoting the teaching of abstinence-only sex-education. His article was written mostly from an emotional standpoint displaying the critical issues of pre-marital sex, such as increased depression and limited adult happiness. He also commented on practical issues such as hightened rate of infections from sexually-transmitted diseases as well as decreased maternal stability and increases in abortions.
His argument states that nearly two thirds of teens who engaged in sexually activity reported to regret starting so young. He declares it a FACT that sexually-active teens are more likely to be depressed and commit suicide. He goes on to back this argument with the parental imput statistics including that parents would rather have their children taught abstinence education rather than a contraceptive or comprehensive course. In fact, he goes on to attack comprehensive courses calling them, “safe sex programs wrapped in a deceptive label.”
I was unfortunate enough to be unable to find anymore data backing this claim from a credible source, so we will leave it at that.
ok–so you give me some points Rector (we won’t talk of the irony of that name considering your topic:]) makes in favor of abstinence-only ed. But, you haven’t made an argument contrary to your last position. You’ve only shared a few points he makes.
This exercise aims to have you craft an argument that asserts a position opposite (or at least different) from the one you last took. Remember: you’re to use evidence from two different sources to back your claim.
Okay, uno: I couldn’t FIND any other reliable sources to back this claim.
Dos: So… um… does that mean I fail? It just made me feel so false to back the other side. Especially when I don’t see their point.
There is no pass/fail here, only learning, only expanding our horizons and our ability to understand the viewpoints of those who disagree with our own. It’s tough. Even for adults!