Texas Sexual Education

In the unknown authors opinion article Let’s ReconsiderAbstinence Only Sex Ed (from the Houston Chronicle), he/she writes his/her opinion on the abstinence only policies for sexual education. Duh. The author writes that it is “past time” to support the masses in using “more effective programs” in Texas schools. The authors audience seems to be (at least to me) directed towards certain Texas politicians who refuse to let go of their right-winged ways and implement useful sexual education classes for students. Although I know absolutely nothing about the author of this article and therefore cannot vouch for his/her work ethic/credibility, the article references many legit/reliable sources itself. This seems pretty credible to me. Some of the sources the author cited are the Texas Freedom Network , the Texas Tribune, and the Guttmacher Institute. The author uses polls to help prove his point, polls such as, “A Statewide TFN poll showed that about 80 percent of likely voters favor teaching students about contraception.”. The author also uses a quote from the director of the UT Prevention Research Center, Susan Tortolero, where she states that the more an adolescent knows, the more of an opportunity they have to make the right choices. Although there have been some school districts that have changed to abstinence plus programs (ones that teach about contraception’s and STD’s), there are still way too many school districts that are still teaching abstinence only classes. The authors logic is pretty simple, it is what it is. Teenagers are having sex and teaching abstinence only classes only keeps the pregnancy rates and STD rates higher. Teaching abstinence only isn’t helping and it’s “past time” we let it go. The authors logic and the solution are simple. Why don't we try to change what obviously doesn't work?

As for my opinion? When are these people (I won’t say who, to keep myself out of trouble) going to wake up, take the blinders off and realize that teenagers are in fact having sex. You can teach abstinence only until your ears turn blue, but teenagers are still in fact going to have sex. Yes, there are some (very few) who will remain virgins until they are old enough/ mature enough to make that decision or until they get married, but the truth is that the vast majority of teenagers are still in fact going to have sex. Face the facts and help protect your loved ones by teaching them something substantial instead of abstinence only crap.