Advocates for Abstinence-Plus Education
Urge the state board to oppose a dangerous abstinence-only mandate!

The Kansas State Board of Education is considering a proposal to mandate nine weeks of abstinence-only-until-marriage curriculum in grades six through nine.

We agree that abstinence is the best method and should be the foundation of any sex ed curriculum. However, it is not a perfect world, and our young people need all the information to protect themselves against unwanted pregnancies and diseases.

Abstinence-plus supports our values by empowering young people to:
  • Develop healthy relationships
  • Grow into responsible, healthy adults with bright futures
  • Reduce sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies

Abstinence-only-until-marriage programs are dangerous because they do not discuss all the life-saving information young people need to make responsible decisions.

Please urge your State Board member to reject this proposal to mandate dangerous abstinence-only-until-marriage curriculum.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Please reject the proposed mandate for abstinence-only curriculum

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I am deeply concerned about the proposed mandate for nine weeks of abstinence-only-until-marriage programs.

I believe that abstinence is the best method and should be the foundation of any sex ed curriculum. However, it is not a perfect world, and our young people need information to protect themselves against unwanted pregnancies and diseases.

Abstinence-plus supports Kansas values of honesty, dignity and responsibility. Ninety-three percent of parents want schools to teach about both abstinence and contraception.

Abstinence-only programs put teens in danger. Research shows these programs do not have any impact on behavior, and even worse, may increase the number of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.

Please reject this proposal.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
April 08, 2006


Background Information

Abstinence-plus keeps kids safe and healthy

Research shows that A+ programs are effective in:

  • Delaying the onset of sexual intercourse
  • Reducing the number of sexual partners
  • Increasing contraception and condom use among teens when they do become sexually active

Parents support Abstinence-plus

  • 93% of parents of high school students believe that birth control and other methods of preventing pregnancy are appropriate topics for sexuality education programs in schools

Abstinence-only puts young people in danger

  • In Kansas abstinence-only-until-marriage programs, there were "no changes" noted for participants' actual or intended behavior; such as whether they planned to wait until marriage to have sex.
  • Students receiving abstinence-only education are less likely to use condoms and have higher rates of sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies. They are also more likely to experiment with oral and anal sex.