Abstinence Programs

Did you know that a majority of both boys and girls who are sexually active with they had waited? Seven in ten sexually active teens (71%) say they wish they had waited until they were older to have sex.  Sixty-four percent stated that they'd advise a young sibling or friend to wait.  A big reason so many teens wish they had waited is that they were not emotionally ready.  You can protect your body, but it's not always as easy to guard your feelings.  Being in a good, trusting, committed relationship means enjoying many things together and not just sex.

There are a lot of reasons to wait besides not wanting to get pregnant or get someone else pregnant, though those are pretty good reasons.  Here are some of the most common reasons teens give for abstaining from sexual relations:

• I'm waiting for the right guy or girl.
• I've got better things to do with my time.
• It's against my religious beliefs.
• I think sex is something special that should be saved until you are married.
• I'm worried about my reputation.
• I don't want to contract a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
• I just don't feel like I am ready yet.

Providing young people with the skills and tools to make healthy decisions about sex and relationships is far more effective than denying them information and simply telling them not to have sex.  We want young people to live healthy lives and make healthy decisions, but we have got to provide them with the tools to make the right decision for themselves.

Abstinence education programs for youth have been proven to be effective in reducing early sexual activity.  They can also provide the foundation for personal responsibility and enduring marital commitment.  Therefore, they are vitally important to efforts aimed at reducing out-of-wedlock childbearing among young women, improving child well-being, and increasing adult happiness over the long term.

NEW PROGRAM: 
DECISIONS, CHOICES, & OPTIONS

Click here for details!