The likelihood of pregnancy was 30 percent lower among those who had abstinence-only education compared to those who received no sex education, but the researchers deemed that number statistically insignificant because few teens fit into the categories that researchers analyzed. Teens who received comprehensive sex education were 60 percent less likely to report becoming pregnant or impregnating someone than those who received no sex education. The other two-thirds received comprehensive instruction with discussion of birth control. Nine percent - particularly the poor and those in rural areas - received no sex education at all. population better, the researchers found that one in four teens received abstinence-only education. The findings - based on responses from 1,719 teens - appear in the Journal of Adolescent Health.Īfter reviewing the results, which researchers weighted to reflect the U.S. Kohler and colleagues examined the results of the 2002 national survey and focused on heterosexual teens ages 15 to 19. At issue is which approach will best postpone sex. Parents and educators have long argued over whether students should get instruction in birth control or simply learn how to say no. “It is not harmful to teach teens about birth control in addition to abstinence,” said study lead author Pamela Kohler, a program manager at the University of Washington in Seattle.
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