Another media-driven progressive myth has been shown to be based on ideology instead of fact. The idea that abstinence-only programs have no effect on curbing teenagers’ sexual activity has been revealed as wishful thinking on the part of those pushing an agenda. Exactly why that agenda is against attempts to stop teenagers from having sex is still, however, a mystery.
A study published by the American Medical Association and appearing in the February 2010 Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine concludes that “Theory-based abstinence-only interventions may have an important role in preventing adolescent sexual involvement” (http://tinyurl.com/yl2usyu). Participants (African-American students in grades 6 and 7) in the abstinence-only program were one third less likely to initiate sexual activity when compared to students in three other programs.
Even before this study, 10 other scientific evaluations showed that abstinence-only programs can reduce sexual activity (http://tinyurl.com/yazsrvu). In spite of this, progressive propaganda against such programs has continued unabated and abstinence-only has been ridiculed and thrown by the wayside in favor of programs having less success.
All studies concerning sexual education depend on the honesty of students in order to reach a final evaluation. It is the same with drug rehabilitation studies. Both activities often cause embarrassment and fear for teenagers that can result in less than honest answers and produce results that may be suspect. However, the efficacy of each program is evaluated the same way, thereby, leveling the field for adequate comparison. These studies cannot be ignored.
The progressive agenda needs to be held up for honest inspection, especially when it involves our children. The tactic of repeating something over and over must no longer be allowed to sway public opinion. It is necessary to evaluate every progressive tenet and burst the bubble of those ideas held aloft by nothing more than wishful thinking.
David J. Hentosh
Tags: Progressivism
