Sample Fact Sheet
Samantha Fishbein
Penn Model Congress
Committee: Education and the Workforce
Title: An Act to Ban Abstinence-Only Sex Education
� The sole purpose of sex education should be to teach the social, psychological, and health benefits from abstaining from sexual activity
� It teaches that abstaining from sexual activity outside marriage is the standard norm, and that once two people are married, a faithful, monogamous relationship is expected.
� It teaches that abstinence is the only way to avoid premarital pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, and that having a child out of wedlock is harmful to the child, the parents, and society.
How Widespread is Abstinence-Only Sex Education?2
� In the past five years, approximately $500 million in federal and state matching funds have been spent on abstinence-only education.
o The federal government matches state funds for abstinence-only programs.
o Due to this stipulation, money been diverted away from comprehensive sex education.
� Fewer than half of U.S. public schools offer information on how to obtain birth control, and only a third include discussions of abortion and sexual orientation in their curricula.
How Effective is Abstinence-Only Sex Education?
� Several studies has shown that abstinence-only education does not decrease teen pregnancy or the risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections.3
� A study at Columbia University found that while virginity �pledge� programs led some participants to delay sex, 88% still had premarital sex, and their rates of sexually transmitted diseases were not significantly different from those who did not pledge.3
� When students who received an abstinence-only education become sexually active, they often fail to use contraception because they are unsure how to do so.2
What Benefits Lie in Alternative Comprehensive Sex Education?
� Comprehensive sex education includes a variety of topics related to human development, relationships, sexual behavior, and sexual culture. It teaches that abstinence is the best method to prevent STDs and pregnancy, but also how to use contraception.4
� Teaching students about contraception has led to a 55% drop in teen pregnancies and a significant delay in the onset of sexual intercourse.5
� People who receive this type of education are more likely to delay sexual activity and to use protection correctly and consistently when they become sexually active.4
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1 Title IX, Section 912 of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996
2 www.ncac.org/education
ewww.democrats.reform.house.gov
4www.ppnyc.org/facts
5www.themediaproject.com/topics/sexeducation.htm
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