Abstain, block, and talk
Maybe my days in HIV ministry have permanently altered the way I think about the issue, but there's nothing surprising in the American Psychological Association's announcement today that "Just Say No" isn't an effective approach to sex ed or HIV prevention in youth.In press release today, the APA Committee on Psychology and AIDS states that
evidence shows that comprehensive sexuality education programs for youth that encourage abstinence, promote appropriate condom use, and teach sexual communication skills reduce HIV-risk behavior and also delay the onset of sexual intercourse [I highlighted the bold words].The abstinence-only approach preferred and championed by the Bush administration actually increases the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease, the committee chair argues.
My quip in front of congregations was always this: AIDS doesn't spread because of too much sex; it spreads because of too little love--for our selves, for our bodies, for our partners, and for God.
.: Posted by Duane Bidwell on Wednesday, February 23, 2005
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