Are comprehensive sexuality education programs that teach students about both abstinence and contraception effective?
Numerous studies and evaluations published in peer-reviewed literature suggest that comprehensive sexuality education is an effective strategy to help young people delay their involvement in sexual intercourse. Research has also concluded that these programs do not hasten the onset of sexual intercourse, do not increase the frequency of sexual intercourse, and do not increase the number of a partners sexually active teens have. • Emerging Answers: Research Findings on Programs to Reduce Teen Pregnancy, a report released by The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy in 2001, identified successful teenage pregnancy prevention initiatives, including five sexuality/HIV education programs, two community service programs, and one intensive program that combined sexuality education, health care, and activities such as tutoring. Emerging Answers concluded that sexuality and HIV education do not hasten sexual activity, that education about abstinence and contraception are compatible rather
