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Review
. 2007 Oct;19(5):446-52.
doi: 10.1097/GCO.0b013e3282efdc0b.

Abstinence and abstinence-only education

Mary A Ott  1 , John S Santelli
Affiliations
Review

Abstinence and abstinence-only education

Mary A Ott et al. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol. 2007 Oct.

Abstract

Purpose of review: To review recent literature on medical accuracy, program effectiveness, and ethical concerns related to abstinence-only policies for adolescent sexuality education.

Recent findings: The federal government invests over 175 million dollars annually in 'abstinence-only-until-marriage' programs. These programs are required to withhold information on contraception and condom use, except for information on failure rates. Abstinence-only curricula have been found to contain scientifically inaccurate information, distorting data on topics such as condom efficacy, and promote gender stereotypes. An independent evaluation of the federal program, several systematic reviews, and cohort data from population-based surveys find little evidence of efficacy and evidence of possible harm. In contrast, comprehensive sexuality education programs have been found to help teens delay initiation of intercourse and reduce sexual risk behaviors. Abstinence-only policies violate the human rights of adolescents because they withhold potentially life-saving information on HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

Summary: Federal support of abstinence-only as an approach to adolescent sexuality education is of much concern due to medical inaccuracies, lack of effectiveness, and the withholding and distorting of health information.

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References

    1. Separate Program for Abstinence Education, SEC. 510 [42 U.S.C. 710] [Accessed 12 May 2004];Compilation of the Social Security Laws 2004. Available from: http://www.ssa.gov/OP*Home/ssact/title05/0510.htm.
    1. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Grants Notice: Community- Based Abstinence Education Program. [Accessed May 21, 2006];Administration for Children and Families; 2006. Available from: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/pdf/HHS- 2006-ACF-ACYF-AE-0099.pdf.
    1. Abma JC, Martinez GM, Mosher WD, Dawson BS. Teenagers in the United States: sexual activity, contraceptive use, and childbearing 2002. Vital Health Stat. 2004;23:1–48. - PubMed
    1. Fields J. America’s families and living arrangements: 2003. Washington, DC: U. S. Census Bureau; 2004.
    1. Finer LB. Trends in premarital sex in the United States, 1954–2003. Public Health Rep. 2007;122:73–78. Using sophisticated life-table models, this paper demonstrates that sex before and outside of marriage is ubiquitous across the life-span among Americans. It calls into question whether it is realistic and ethical to hold anyone to a premarital abstinence ideal. - PMC - PubMed