Just Say No

            The only way of dealing with the wonderful, mysterious and sometimes rather terrifying power of one's sexuality is simply to abstain from expressing it all. Abstinence is the only choice for teens; but they are getting a mixed message from the world. Ads, music, TV, and movies all seem to say, "Just do It." To balance this, teens need to hear abstinence from the parents. Abstinence is the only true detriment to STD's and pregnancy. In the 1990's it was all about sex education in schools. Academic research discredited this, and abstinence programs started to receive a respectful hearing. Sex educators received the most crushing blow of all: sexual activity among teenagers was rapidly declining.
             All teens have the right to make responsible sexual choices. If you believe that abstinence only does not work for all teens, sexual education must be provided. Sexually active teens need to know that contraception is the first and safest method. Unmarried sexual intercourse is morally wrong. Young people should not be involved in sexual relationships and therefore do not need information about contraception. Sexual education is not just about birth control .
             and pregnancy. It should not be taught in school because of STD's, pregnancy, and cost.
             STD's are infectious diseases spread mostly through sexual contact. Without abstinence, STD's are the most common infections in the United States, affecting an estimated 30 million people. In unmarried sexual activity, the stakes, have never been higher. Teen pregnancy is a tragedy and STD's can bring on a death sentence. Condom worshippers need to wake up and realize their message is dangerous and kids are dying from that message. Condoms do not prevent the transmission of STD's. Twelve million people are infected each year, sixty-three percent of them are teens. (Lerman 51) Most STD's are transmitted through blood and other body fluids. Condom use is not 100% effective in preventing STD's.