Researchers Pan Abstinence-Only Sex Education

Studies published in a special edition of Sexuality Research & Social Policy enumerate numerous problems with abstinence-only sex education.

"Abstinence-only programs have a broad variety of problems with accuracy, efficacy, and ethics," said a statement by Dr. John S. Santelli of Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, who edited the issue. "These studies clearly demonstrate that federal promotion of abstinence has failed in its primary goal of helping young people delay initiation of sex, and actually, withholds life-saving information from young people."

In one article, Douglas B. Kirby reviewed 56 studies: eight that evaluated abstinence programs, and 48 that evaluated comprehensive programs. "Study results indicated that most abstinence programs did not delay initiation of sex and only three of nine had any significant positive effects on any sexual behavior," Kirby noted.

"In contrast, about two-thirds of comprehensive programs showed strong evidence that they positively affected young people's sexual behavior, including both delaying initiation of sex and increasing condom and contraceptive use among important groups of youth," Kirby wrote. "Based on this review, abstinence programs have little evidence to warrant their widespread replication; conversely, strong evidence suggests that some comprehensive programs should be disseminated widely."

The report, "The Impact of Abstinence and Comprehensive Sex and STD/HIV Education Programs on Adolescent Sexual Behavior," was published in Sexuality Research & Social Policy (2008;5(3):6-17).

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