Do abstinence-only programs delay the initiation of sex among young

This document reviews a Heritage Foundation study which argues that abstinence only programmes are effective in changing teenage sexual behaviour. The study directly challenges the conclusions of the National Campaign for the Prevention of Teenage Pregnancy report, Emerging Voices, which argued that there was little evidence that abstinence-only programmes were successful. In response to this challenge, the author of Emerging Voices reviews each of the ten example programmes named in the Heritage Foundation report, assessing the evidence of each one based on a clearly established criteria.

Findings reported that of the ten programmes listed, nine of them failed to provide credible evidence consistent with the standards of the Emerging Voices study. However, the author argued that this does not mean that abstinence-only programmes do not work and strong evidence of their success may still emerge. Until this research is done, it is important to continue with 'abstinence-plus' programmes that encourage abstinence but also encourage use of condoms and contraceptives amongst youth if they do have sex. [adapted from author]