In the article “abstinence-Only: Breeding ignorance”, Mary-Jane wangle argues that this type of sexual education is wrong because the information that is given to students is false. Not providing the individual with the right information. Not letting them know what kind of choices they have if they decide to become sexually active. In the article Mary says that 80 percent of abstinence only programs teach false information about reproductive health. They use wrong scientific information and religious views as facts to give the students. Mary-Jane gives examples of what kind of information is given to the students in these programs. Students are told that condoms fail to protect against HIV, in one book they tell students that touching another persons genitals could result in pregnancy. Abstinence is 100% effective in preventing, pregnancy and sexual transmitted diseases. Methods such as birth control, which only protects against unwanted pregnancies, and condoms that have a 99% percent of protection do not give the security of being sexually inactive. Therefore the most secure way of staying safe is practicing Abstinence.
However this fact does not give the right to “Breed an ignorant youth”. I believe that they should teach students accurate information about sexual transmitted diseases, ways to prevent unwanted pregnancies, and the things they can use to protect themselves, also the responsibilities of being a parent. This way, teenagers understand that having sexual relations can jeopardize their liberty as young single adults and teaches them that if they believe to be mature enough to start having sex they should also have the same maturity to confront the responsibilities that come with it. I believe that Abstinence should remain an option for students and should be taught in accurate and scientifically proven facts. I believe that abstinence is the best protection but it shouldn’t be taught as the only way. In one of her quotes Wangle says “Abstinence- only programs try to scare and shame teens, teaching only the negative consequences of sexuality without telling young people what they can do to stay safe and healthy”. I believe that educators have committed a huge mistake of teaching students about the subject because the student can discard his or her options to protect themselves if they fall short.
Mary Jane uses California as an example, because they have decided to educate their students how to practice safe sex; Wagle states that their rates of teenage pregnancies have reduced by a forty percent over 10 years. In a study done by Columbia University they have found that 88% of students that make virginity pledges delay to have sex but lways end up having premarital sex, and they found that the rate of sexual transmitted diseases within the ledgers was no different from non-pledgers.
Mary raises a huge point in one of her quotes that state that Knowledge can be dangerous. Ignorance however can be fatal. I agree with her because having too much knowledge could be dangerous and this could be proven in every aspect of our society today. From Science to social issues this can be seen today.
Great post. I think teens in every state need to be educated about every single type of birth control as well as STD protection, whether it be abstinence, or condoms, etc.
ReplyDeleteAbstinence is good to teach kids, but reality most teens are going to do it so they should know how to protect themselves everywa. Good post!
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