Religious leaders should speak out against abstinence-only education.
Most religious leaders and parents want to share a message of abstinence with their children and teenagers. Research shows that most adolescents are not developmentally ready for mature sexual relationships and that engaging in sexual intercourse can pose significant biological, social, and emotional risks for teens. At the same time, it is important to recognize that not all teenagers will abstain from these behaviors, and they require information to protect themselves. Almost all teenagers will need this information in adulthood.
Abstinence-only-until-marriage education programs fail young people. Numerous studies show that such programs are ineffective in helping teens significantly delay engagement in mature sexual behaviors.
Advocates for Youth – The Truth about Abstinence-Only Programs
How abstinence-only education excludes youth in need
How abstinence-only compares with comprehensive sexuality education