Abstinence

News Columnist Points out Harms of Promiscuous Culture 

In a recent column, writer Kathleen Parker boldly challenges adults to do something about the culture of promiscuity and immoral sexuality that is spreading diseases and emotionally damaging the youth in this generation. Parker points out that many adults over 30 who grew up under different standards for sexual purity might not even be aware of the culture and beliefs that college, high school and even younger youth have. For example, college students across America hardly know what it is to “date” someone anymore and instead have “hook-ups” that involve sexual behavior without any commitment. CLICK HERE to read Parker’s insightful article. Sadly, our generation’s youth is not just hearing “hook-ups” are okay from their peers, but also from educators and mentors. Federally and across many states, a battle continues to loom over abstinence-based sex education versus comprehensive sex education, which practically gives the green light for teen sexual activity. Thankfully, a strong force of compassionate educators, advocacy groups, public officials and even students are stepping forward to speak truth about right living and relationship to our youth.

Teen Birth Rates are Rising: Texas Physician and Mother Responds 

The Center for Disease Control recently came out with statistics showing that the teenage birth rate amongst girls aged 15-19 rose 3% in 2006. Ignorantly, many groups against abstinence education and purity have tried to use this report to show a failure in “abstinence education” programs. Dr. Linda Flower, a Texas physician and mother, has a different argument and a strong response to these pro-promiscuous groups.

"Groups who are against abstinence education have jumped on the newest report by the CDC that shows an increase in the birth rate among teenagers, up by 3%, as a clear failure of the so called "abstinence only" education initiatives. Interestingly, the timing of the data corresponds to the previous upsurge in teen births at the end of the 1980s and early 1990s just as these children are reaching child-bearing age. It is well known that children born to teen parents often repeat the cycle. What many of the news outlets failed to report is the overall increase in birth rate by 2% in the United States. The CDC stated that in various age groups the increase in birth rate tended to follow the actual increase in population in that age group. Although the CDC applied this reasoning to population groups over age 20, it failed to mention the same rationale for the lower age groups."

Linda W. Flower, M.D.
Chairperson, Texas Physicians Resource Council