LifeNews.com
2009-11-07
November 6, 2009 — Data from an analysis conducted by the CDC shows positive evidence that abstinence education is delivering an effective message for teenagers. The report is prompting abstinence education advocates to call for more funding and pro-abstinence policies because abstinence is delaying sex among teens.
The CDC Task Force on Community Preventive Services, a 15-member body, ultimately reached no negative conclusions about abstinence.
They reviewed an analysis of 83 studies of sexual education programs run between 1980 and 2007 and, according to CDC official Randy Elder, determined there "was insufficient evidence" about whether abstinence programs work.
The positive results came from 10 different studies by six different authors.
Two members of the panel of consultants for the analysis reported that the abstinence education programs in the study produced a statistically significant reduction in teen sexual activity for periods averaging about one year.