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ABSTINENCE+ PROGRAMS IN TEXAS
BY: ULYSSA RIOS
LDS 1301
WHAT IS ABSTINENCE?
 Abstinence is typically known
as the act or practice of
refraining from indulging an
appetite or desire, especially
for alcoholic drink or sexual
intercourse.
 Abstinence is typically an
issue with young adults and
addicts
TYPES OF ABSTINENCE EDUCATION
Abstinence Only Programs
 Abstinence only programs are a form of sex
education that teaches students to not have sex
outside of marriage.
 It typically teaches that refraining from sex is the
only way to be safe.
Abstinence Plus Programs
 Stands for Abstinence, Be Faithful, Use a
Condom (ABC strategy)
 It is meant to promote abstinence, however, it
also includes information on how to practice
safe sex
 Promotes the use of various birth controls, male
and female condoms, and abstinence above
everything else
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PROGRAMS
Abstinence Only
 Sex outside of marriage has harmful
consequences (social, psychological, and physical)
 Anything outside of marriage isn’t acceptable
behavior
 Believes one set of values is correct for every
student
 Refuses to discuss topics such as abortion,
masturbation, and sexual orientation
 Only discuss about condoms in terms of failure
rates
Abstinence+ Programs
 Teaches sexuality is a natural part of life
 Teaches abstinence from intercourse is the most
effective in preventing pregnancy and STDs
 Gives value0based information, and still allows
students to have the opportunity to explore and
define their own values
 Topics include human development, relationships,
interpersonal skills, sexual expression and health
 Gives accurate information about abortion,
masturbation, and sexual orientation
POLITICAL STANCES
Republican
 The Republican party has affirmed their
commitment to abstinence-only-until-marriage
programs in their party platform
Democratic
 The Democratic party, on the other hand, state
that they “support evidence-based and ageappropriate sex education”
PREGNANCY RATES
TEXAS STATISTICS
 Has one of the highest rates of teen pregnancy
 Has the highest rate of repeat teen births
 An estimated 22 percent of teens who give birth have already had at least one
child
 Although Progressives have asked for more comprehensive educational
resources, Governors of Texas have decided to give lawmakers more time to
push through restrictions on abortions.
HOW TO CHANGE
 Ways to change the policy of abstinence only programs would be to talk to
state representatives about changing their stance on the issue
 Elect a different political party
 Elect someone with a contrasting view on the topic
 Discuss with Superintendents and Principals about what can be taught in
classes
KNOWN ADVOCATES FOR THE ABSTINENCE+ PROGRAMS
 The Obama administration attempted to refrain from using abstinence-only
programs. In 2010, he was able to eliminate the Title V (Maternal and Child
Health Block Grant Program) fund in the federal budget.However, social
conservatives in Congress fought to have the program back. The restoration
of the abstinence grants was a compromise for the development of
Obamacare.
 Advocates for Youth - gives facts on both programs
REFLECTION
 States should conform to using the Abstinence+ programs. It is proven that states that teach abstinence
only programs are those that have the highest rates of teen pregnancy and STDs. It should be
mandatory for ALL students to take age appropriate sex education courses when they are in middle
school and again in high school, when the rate for body changes are at their prime. The students should
be given the information, and from there, choose to what they believe they should do.
SOURCES
 Alford, Sue. "SEX EDUCATION? SEX EDUCATION RESOURCES FOR ADVOCATES BACKGROUND
INFORMATION TRAINING AND CONTINUING EDUCATION CONFERENCES AND COURSES FOR SEX
EDUCATORS JOURNALS AND NEWSLETTERS FOR SEX EDUCATORS BLOGS HOME Sex Education
Programs: Definitions & Point-by-Point Comparison." Advocatesforyouth.org. Advocates for Youth, n.d.Web. 28 Nov.
2016.
 Beadle, Amanda Peterson. "Teen Pregnancies Highest In States With Abstinence-Only Policies." ThinkProgress.
ThinkProgress, 10 Apr. 2012. Web. 28 Nov. 2016.
 Culp-Ressler, Tara. "Texas Tries To Combat Teen Pregnancy With Abstinence-Only Website That Doesn’t Mention
Birth Control." ThinkProgress. ThinkProgress, 27 Sept. 2013. Web. 28 Nov. 2016.
 Grigsby-Reiser, Sarah. "Democrats and Republicans Update Party Platforms." SIECUS. N.p., Sept. 2012. Web. 28
Nov. 2016.