The AP is carrying a story this morning about the results of a study done on the effectiveness of sexual-abstinence classes for teens as a methodology for STD prevention:
“‘I really do think it’s a two-part story. First, there is no evidence that the programs increased the rate of sexual abstinence,’ said Chris Trenholm, a senior researcher at Mathematica who oversaw the study. ‘However, the second part of the story that I think is equally important is that we find no evidence that the programs increased the rate of unprotected sex.’
Trenholm said his second point of emphasis was important because some critics of abstinence programs have contended that they lead to less frequent use of condoms.
Mathematica’s study could have serious implications as Congress considers renewing this summer the block grant program for abstinence education known as Title V. The federal government has authorized up to $50 million annually for the program. Participating states then provide $3 for every $4 they get from the federal government. Eight states decline to take part in the grant program. “
A few weeks ago our parish nurse here at the Cathedral met with most of the kids in the youth group and J2A program. (The kid’s parents had full knowledge of the meeting.) In the private meeting they talked openly about the health dangers of sexual activity, the responsibility that their new bodies required of them, and encouraged to ask any questions that they had. My daughter was one of the kids in the room. While I don’t know the details about what was discussed, I do know that she participated, asked questions and seems to think it was a very valuable experience.
I suppose you could call what we did a form of an abstinence class. According to the study above it may not do much good, but it also didn’t do much harm. More importantly though, I think by having a discussion about these matters within the walls of the church building, we’re at least sending a message to the youth that they can bring their whole lives to church, and not just the “nice” parts.
I wonder how many other congregations are doing something like this? And why not?
Read the rest here: Study: Abstinence Classes Don’t Stop Sex
We used to offer classes at our church in Lander. We had separate sessions for parents and youth, then a joint session. Seemed to be welcomed by all. One does need to get permission from parents for youth to attend. We strongly encouraged the parents to attend the sessions for parents as well as the joint one. We had a team of presenters – medical, religious, social workers. One of the best parts was a question box for anonymous inquiries. Another helpful thing was parents sharing their personal stories from their teen years.
More importantly though, I think by having a discussion about these matters within the walls of the church building, we’re at least sending a message to the youth that they can bring their whole lives to church, and not just the “nice” parts.
That is really wonderful, I agree. Faith is a way of life – a means of making life holy and bringing the human person to “flourishing” under the grace of God. That’s an idea I think we really don’t emphasize enough, and one that opens a great deep and wide reservoir of possibilities for everybody.