Article
CDC Info
CDC Info
This article that I found discusses how the STD and teen pregnancy rates have risen in the US since 2005. The article found that due to President Bush's "evangelically-driven education policy", these rates began to rise after a steady decline since 1991. Critics of abstinence only sex education argue that the lack of comprehensive education was to blame for syphilis and pregnancy rates increasing by more than half and gonorrhea lowered rates being reversed. They also found that the rate of HIV has doubled in adolescent males. The article also talks about how theses increases have primarily taken place in southern states, where there is a greater emphasis on abstinence until marriage and religion. It also connects the regional, political, and religious aspects of adolescent sexual health discussion.
I find this article very interesting because it basically goes in hand with our discussions in class. I actually found the information on the Centers for Disease and Prevention site to make sure that this article was accurate and not just politically driven. I personally believe that this information should be presented to every person that supports ignoring teen sex and teaching abstinence only education because this startling information really shouldn't be ignored. What do you all think?
-Jalissa B.
This article proves that abstinence does not work. It is obvious what teens need--a well-rounded sex education program. I think that there should be sex ed. in all schools and I think it should be a requirement. This article explains that std and teen pregnancy rates rose during the time Bush implemented the abstinence program. Abstinence should not be taught. Teens are going to have sex. They need to be educated about it and they also need to know the emotional issues that arise from it. In my opinion, teaching abstinence shows that society is naive about teens.
ReplyDelete-Mary Kate B
I agree that abstinence only programs are inefective for todays youth. A majority of US teens lose their virginity by the time they graduate highschool. Teens need to be educated on safe sex and sexuality and healthy relationships so they can make the best decisions possible for themselves. I did not know that rates of STI's and pregnancy have been increasing since the Bush administration. Especially in teen males this stastic is surprising.
ReplyDelete- Nicole A.
I agree with Nicole. There is just so much information out there and though sex is such a hush-hush topic, kids are doing it! Personally I'd rather educate the hell out of them, than sit by and watch them become pregnant and spread diseases. I can't believe with all these studies about abstinence programs not necessarily "working" there aren't greater changes being done to the sex-ed curriculum.
ReplyDelete~Sarah J.