In 1996 Congress passed the Title V abstinence education program law.  This program (theoretically; in DC the funds were not actually used for abstinence education, for example) allotted funds to states that requested them for abstinence programs that had to follow these guidelines: A. Has as its exclusive purpose, teaching the social, psychological and health gains to be realized by abstaining from sexual activity.  B. Teaches abstinence from sexual activity outside marriage as the expected standard for all school-age children.  C. Teaches that abstinence from sexual activity is the...

Seventy eight percent of West Virginia ninth grade students are abstaining from sex.  Yet, this percentage drops to 32% for twelfth grade students.  We are missing a great opportunity. Youth who are abstaining from sex can serve as a great resource who can encourage their peers to make right choices.  Youth who are not sexually active enjoy helping their peers as a peer counselor.  They also gain speaking skills and a mutual support group.  There are many benefits for youth who decide to wait to have sex.  Here are a few: Young adults who graduate from high school, get a full time job...