What can be done about the epidemics of STIs and nonmarital pregnancy facing our country?
People who postpone sexual activity until marriage to an uninfected partner are completely protected from STIs and nonmarital pregnancy. If this behavior choice (that is, abstinence) were to become normative again, it is likely that these epidemics would be reversed. There is evidence that many teens are getting this message. According to Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance data, over half of teens in high school are not having sexual intercourse. From 1991 through 2001 the number of teens not having sexual intercourse increased from 46% to 54%. Additionally, the number of teens with four or more lifetime partners decreased significantly from 1991 to 2001. Most adolescents will postpone sexual activity (become or remain abstinent) with proper instruction and encouragement, especially from parents.
