What is the difference between abstinence-only programs and comprehensive sex education?
A. Abstinence-only programs focus on teaching that abstinence-until-marriage is the only way to prevent pregnancy and STDs from occurring. Usually the programs do not include discussion of contraception unless it is negative. They teach that sex outside of marriage is emotionally and physically harmful. Comprehensive sex education stresses that abstinence is the only way to completely prevent STDs and pregnancy, but also provides information about safer sex and communication so that teens that choose to be sexually active will have the tools they need to be safe. Abstinence-only programs often include information that is not medically accurate, and can make teens that are sexually active or LGBTQ teens feel ashamed of their behavior or orientation. Q. Why aren’t there more comprehensive sexuality education programs around? A. Federal mandates restrict federal funding from going to comprehensive sex education. These mandates place funding restrictions on programs so that only abstinence
