WASHINGTON (BP)--Abstinence education is effective at delaying sexual initiation and reducing the levels of early sexual activity, according to two studies presented April 22 at the National Press Club in Washington.
A study led by Stan Weed of the Institute of Research and Evaluation examined the impact of abstinence education in reducing the initiation of sexual activity by seventh-grade students in suburban Virginia. The second study, which reviewed 21 abstinence education programs and found that 16 of them reported positive results, was published by The Heritage Foundation.
Both studies were presented in conjunction with hearings April 23 by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which were to feature seven witnesses speaking in support of comprehensive sex education and two testifying in favor of abstinence education, with a goal of assessing the need for continued...