Abstinence

Abstinence is the foolproof way to avoid virus, neo conservatives often say. They also state that the only prevention method they know of for sexually transmitted diseases is abstinence.

Condoms, routine screening (preventing further spread), sex education and the new cervical cancer vaccine are all excellent methods for prevention of sexually transmitted infections.

Abstinence, when dutifully practiced, is also an excellent method. Unfortunately, numerous studies have shown that even teens who plan to abstain until marriage often fall short.

Adolescents who take virginity pledges show the same rate of sexually transmitted infection as those who do not.

Abstinence-only education in schools has been shown time and time again to not reduce teen sex, but to significantly reduce condom and other contraceptive use among those teens.

Education is the most powerful weapon we have against these diseases that are so easily prevented. Abstinence-only education merely prevents people from knowing how to protect themselves. When it comes to disease, ignorance is not bliss.

Absolutely, we should be promoting abstinence, but when it comes to preventing these serious, potentially fatal diseases, how can one justify not using every tool we have?