abstinence and contraception—are more likely to delay initiating sex and to use protection when they do initiate
sex than youth who receive abstinence-only programs.
Numerous research studies have shown that sex education that includes information about both abstinence and contraception does NOT send a mixed message, nor does it lead to earlier or increased sexual intercourse.
DESPITE THE RESEARCH, federal and state governments steadily increased funding for abstinenceonly-until-marriage programs that tell young people that sex outside of marriage is “likely to have harmful
psychological and physical effects.” These programs also relate only the failure rates (often exaggerated) of condoms and other forms of contraception. To date, almost one billion dollars has been spent on such programs, none of which has been shown to be effective in preventing sexual risk behaviors. Research shows that abstinence-only-untilmarriage
programs are far less effective than comprehensive sex education.
When Should Sex Education Be Taught?
• 9 1 % of all adults receiving sex education during high school.
• 7 9 % of all adults receiving sex education during junior high school.
Should Sexually Active Teens Have Access to Sexual Health Services?
Most Connecticut adults believe school personnel should make condoms and other birth control available to sexually active youth.They also look to school nurses and guidance counselors to refer sexually active youth to STI and/or family planning clinics
• 8 4% of Hispanic adults and 7 9 %of all adults support school nurses and guidance counselors referring
sexually active youth to STI clinics.
• 6 9 %of adults support school nurses and guidance counselors referring sexually active youth to family planning clinics.
• 7 9 % of African American adults, 6 7 % of Hispanic adults, and 6 0 % of all adults support school personnel making condoms and other birth control accessible to sexually active youth.
What Should Be Taught?
• 9 4 % of adults people need information and skills from sex education to protect their health and lives.”
• 9 4 % of Catholics and 9 3% of all adults agree that, “Whether or not young people are sexually active, they should receive sex education so they have the information to make responsible choices.”
• 7 5 % of all adults believe schools should teach about both abstinence and contraception.