Abstinence-only sex education reduces the frequency of teenage sex and teenage pregnancy rates
the verdict
REFUTED
the evidence says no
confidence 0/100
Multiple studies and systematic reviews indicate that abstinence-only sex education programs do not effectively reduce the frequency of teenage sexual activity or lower teenage pregnancy rates.
Evidence against · 5
Funding for Abstinence-Only Education and Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention: Does State Ideology Affect Outcomes?
2019 · cited by 0
Federal abstinence-only funding had no effect on adolescent birthrates overall and increased rates in conservative states.
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More against · 4
Consequences of sex education on teen and young adult sexual behaviors and outcomes.
2012 · cited by 0
Receipt of only abstinence education was not associated with delayed sexual initiation compared to receiving no education.
School-based programs to reduce sexual risk-taking behaviors.
1992 · cited by 0
Evidence shows that abstinence-only programs neither delayed nor reduced the frequency of intercourse.
A comprehensive review of reviews of school-based interventions to improve sexual-health.
2017 · cited by 0
Abstinence-only interventions were found to be ineffective in promoting positive changes in sexual behaviour.
Impacts of abstinence education on teen sexual activity, risk of pregnancy, and risk of sexually transmitted diseases.
2008 · cited by 0
Experimental evaluation of abstinence-only programs showed no significant impact on teen sexual activity or rates of unprotected sex.