Currently in the United States, 37 states require public schools to provide students information about abstinence. Of those 37 states, 26 states require that abstinence is stressed; 11 states require that abstinence is covered. The remaining 18 states and District of Columbia require public school’s sex education to provide students with information about contraceptive use and protective health measures.

More states in the US should provide students the opportunity for a comprehensive sex education rather than simply “stressing” students to remain abstinent. For those who don’t know, abstinence is the act of restraining from all sexual encounters and not engaging in sex until marriage. Comprehensive sex education refers to the teaching of abstinence in combination with contraceptive options (birth control pill, condoms, etc.) and provides information about sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

According to Washington Post, abstinence education claims to reduce the number of unplanned pregnancies and STIs. Yet, Think Progress reports in 2010, Mississippi and New Mexico – states with the highest rate of teenage pregnancy – direct their public school to teach abstinence only sex education.

Think Progress also claims that states with the lowest levels of teen pregnancy are teaching comprehensive sex education such as New Hampshire. States like New Hampshire that are teaching comprehensive sex education provide useful information that teach young adults to make smart decisions about their personal lives, rather than avoiding the inevitable and refusing the teach about safe sex and STIs.

A review of comprehensive sex education by advocatesforyouth.org revealed that sexual initiation is delayed, number of sexual partners is reduced, and increased condom use was found in teenagers. Students were also found 50 percent less likely to have early pregnancy over students who received abstinence only education.

“Why Know” is a type of abstinence curriculum that teaches stereotypes such as women’s happiness and success is based on relationships while men base their happiness and success on accomplishments. This method doesn’t even take into account teenagers and young adults who do not want to get married until later in life. Abstinence only education promotes the idea that sex outside of marriage will have psychological and physical consequences.

“[Abstinence] teaches that a mutually faithful monogamous relationship in the context of marriage is the expected standard of sexual activity,” stated Advocates for Youth, a nonprofit organization and advocacy group active in the prevention of HIV, sexually transmitted disease, sexual education, and teen pregnancy prevention.

Comprehensive sex education teaches that sexuality is a natural, normal, healthy part of life rather than perpetuating the belief that sex is a taboo topic. It also spreads awareness about finding yourself and your sexuality and developing healthy personal relationships.

Abstinence only education no longer fits the fast paced, progressive atmosphere of the 21^st century. Educating young adults and teenagers about their bodies and how to protect themselves is an easy and informative way to ensure that those who need help will have received it without shaming and perpetuating an outdated stereotype that sex makes someone a bad person.