Nov 12 2007
New Blow to Bad Science Behind Abstinence-Only Programs
A recent study from University of Virginia found that consensual sex at a young age is not a predictor of juvenile delinquency.
The new study debunks Ohio State research released in Feb. that claimed youngsters who lose their virginity at an early age are more likely to become juvenile delinquents than their peers who didn’t lose their virginity at a young age. This study was used by abstinence-only proponents to strengthen their message.
“Educators wanting a piece of the nation’s $200 million “abstinence only” budget must adhere to a curriculum that links sex to delinquency and explicitly precludes discussion of contraception.”
The new study, which is hailed to be more rigorous than its predecessor because it uses behavioral genetics (studies on twins), makes teaching that there is a link between sexual behavior and juvenile delinquency unethical and scientifically incorrect.
