Abstinence+ programs in Texas By: Ulyssa Rios LDS 1301

What is abstinence? Abstinence is typically known as the act or practice of refraining from indulging an appetite or desire, especially for alcoholic drink or sexual intercourse. Abstinence is typically an issue with young adults and addicts

Types of Abstinence education Abstinence Only Programs Abstinence Plus Programs Abstinence only programs are a form of sex education that teaches students to not have sex outside of marriage. It typically teaches that refraining from sex is the only way to be safe. Stands for Abstinence, Be Faithful, Use a Condom (ABC strategy) It is meant to promote abstinence, however, it also includes information on how to practice safe sex Promotes the use of various birth controls, male and female condoms, and abstinence above everything else

Differences between programs Abstinence Only Abstinence+ Programs Sex outside of marriage has harmful consequences (social, psychological, and physical) Anything outside of marriage isn’t acceptable behavior Believes one set of values is correct for every student Refuses to discuss topics such as abortion, masturbation, and sexual orientation Only discuss about condoms in terms of failure rates Teaches sexuality is a natural part of life Teaches abstinence from intercourse is the most effective in preventing pregnancy and STDs Gives value0based information, and still allows students to have the opportunity to explore and define their own values Topics include human development, relationships, interpersonal skills, sexual expression and health Gives accurate information about abortion, masturbation, and sexual orientation

Political stances Republican Democratic The Republican party has affirmed their commitment to abstinence-only-until-marriage programs in their party platform The Democratic party, on the other hand, state that they “support evidence-based and age- appropriate sex education”

Pregnancy rates

Texas Statistics Has one of the highest rates of teen pregnancy Has the highest rate of repeat teen births An estimated 22 percent of teens who give birth have already had at least one child Although Progressives have asked for more comprehensive educational resources, Governors of Texas have decided to give lawmakers more time to push through restrictions on abortions.

How to change Ways to change the policy of abstinence only programs would be to talk to state representatives about changing their stance on the issue Elect a different political party Elect someone with a contrasting view on the topic Discuss with Superintendents and Principals about what can be taught in classes

Known Advocates for the Abstinence+ Programs The Obama administration attempted to refrain from using abstinence-only programs. In 2010, he was able to eliminate the Title V (Maternal and Child Health Block Grant Program) fund in the federal budget. However, social conservatives in Congress fought to have the program back. The restoration of the abstinence grants was a compromise for the development of Obamacare. Advocates for Youth - gives facts on both programs

Reflection States should conform to using the Abstinence+ programs. It is proven that states that teach abstinence only programs are those that have the highest rates of teen pregnancy and STDs. It should be mandatory for ALL students to take age appropriate sex education courses when they are in middle school and again in high school, when the rate for body changes are at their prime. The students should be given the information, and from there, choose to what they believe they should do.

Sources Alford, Sue. "SEX EDUCATION? SEX EDUCATION RESOURCES FOR ADVOCATES BACKGROUND INFORMATION TRAINING AND CONTINUING EDUCATION CONFERENCES AND COURSES FOR SEX EDUCATORS JOURNALS AND NEWSLETTERS FOR SEX EDUCATORS BLOGS HOME Sex Education Programs: Definitions & Point-by-Point Comparison." Advocatesforyouth.org. Advocates for Youth, n.d. Web. 28 Nov. 2016. Beadle, Amanda Peterson. "Teen Pregnancies Highest In States With Abstinence-Only Policies." ThinkProgress. ThinkProgress, 10 Apr. 2012. Web. 28 Nov. 2016. Culp-Ressler, Tara. "Texas Tries To Combat Teen Pregnancy With Abstinence-Only Website That Doesn’t Mention Birth Control." ThinkProgress. ThinkProgress, 27 Sept. 2013. Web. 28 Nov. 2016. Grigsby-Reiser, Sarah. "Democrats and Republicans Update Party Platforms." SIECUS. N.p., Sept. 2012. Web. 28 Nov. 2016.