How is comprehensive sex education different from abstinence-only programs?
Abstinence-Only Programs teach abstinence as the only morally correct option of sexual expression for teenagers. They usually censor information about the health benefits of contraception and condoms for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancy. Comprehensive Sex Education teaches about abstinence as the best method for avoiding STIs and unintended pregnancy, but also teaches about condoms and contraception to reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy and of infection with STIs, including HIV. It also teaches interpersonal and communication skills and helps young people explore their own values, goals, and options. The following chart shows key ways in which the two types of programs differ.
