The abstinence debate: condoms, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and ideology

HIV/AIDS and sex education needs to cater for the range of choices and preferences among young people, and not be dictated by ideological concerns.

This report from ActionAid International discusses the viewpoints from a working group on abstinence only education for the reduction of HIV transmission. The report is presented as a debate between abstinence advocates who are in favour of programmes such as those incorporated in the ABC (Abstain, Be faithful, use a Condom) approach in Uganda, and those in favour of a comprehensive approach that includes contraception. The discussion revolved around six key issues seen from both standpoints: the effectiveness of the abstinence approach, available research, ideological positions, sexual health and rights issues, educational methods and assumptions on gender and agency. Finally the working group discussed whether a convergence of viewpoints is possible.

The working group broadly agrees that ideology should not dictate what is covered in sex and relationships education. They conclude that HIV/AIDS education needs to offer different options to cater for the range of choices and preferences among young people. The paper recommends that support needs to be offered to those who choose (and are able) to delay the first time that they have sex. The authors state that the narrow moral discourse that some try to impose on young people is an abuse of their rights, ignores the available research and is likely to lead to poorer sexual health outcomes.
[adapted from author]

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The abstinence debate: condoms, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and ideology