Why Abstinence Works: Part II

Consider the Costs

Excluding the costs incurred to treat HIV, an estimated $8 billion dollars is spent annually to diagnose and treat STI's.

There were 757,000 girls ages 15 to 19 who became pregnant in 2002.

Fifty percent of unmarried teens were aided by governmental assistance programs within one year of giving birth.

Babies born to adolescent mothers are at an increased risk for both prematurity and low birth weight.

Compared to children from two parent homes, the generation born to teen mothers is at an increased risk for neglect, incarceration, and drug use.

In general, teen mothers attain much lower levels of education than than other women, severely limiting their career options and sharply increasing their likelihood of economic dependency. Only 70% of teen mothers complete high school education or earn a GED, and 1.5% earn a college degree by the age of 30.

Abstinence Education Works

Since 1991, when federal abstinence funding began, there has been a 43% decrease in births to 15 - 17 year olds, despite a 25% increase in that age population.

The Centers for Disease Control attribute 67% of teen birth reductions to fewer teens being sexually active (known as abstinence.)

The Pure and Simple Lifestyle Project teaches more then to just say "no" to sexual activity. Teens learn character development, relationship skills, assertive techniques, goal setting, positive risk taking, and decision-making skills for making healthy choices in all areas of life.

Abstinence works 100% of the time.

Previous Post: Why Abstinence Works: Part I

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