Santelli, John S, Kantor, Leslie, Grilo, Stephanie et al. (10 more authors) (2017) Abstinence-only-until-marriage:An Updated review of U.S. policies and programs and their impact. Journal of Adolescent Health. pp. 273-280. ISSN 1879-1972
Abstract
Adolescence is marked by the emergence of human sexuality, sexual identity and the initiation of intimate relations; within this context, abstinence from sexual intercourse can be a healthy choice. However, programs that promote abstinence-only-until-marriage (AOUM) or sexual risk avoidance (SRA), are scientifically and ethically problematic and—as such—have been widely rejected by medical and public health professionals. Although abstinence is theoretically effective, in actual practice, intentions to abstain from sexual activity often fail. Given a rising age at first marriage around the world, a rapidly declining percentage of young people remain abstinent until marriage. Promotion of AOUM policies by the United States (U.S.) government has undermined sexuality education in the U.S. and in U.S. foreign aid programs; funding for AOUM continues in the U.S. The weight of scientific evidence finds that AOUM programs are not effective in delaying initiation of sexual intercourse or changing other sexual risk behaviors. AOUM programs, as defined by U.S. federal funding requirements, inherently withhold information about human sexuality and may provide medically inaccurate and stigmatizing information. Thus, AOUM programs threaten fundamental human rights to health, information, and life. Young people need access to accurate and comprehensive sexual health information to protect their health and lives.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2017 Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of York |
Academic Units: | The University of York > Faculty of Sciences (York) > Health Sciences (York) |
Depositing User: | Pure (York) |
Date Deposited: | 30 Aug 2017 10:45 |
Last Modified: | 10 Apr 2025 23:13 |
Published Version: | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2017.05.031 |
Status: | Published |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2017.05.031 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:120673 |
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