SRA Update

by Sharyll Martin, SRA Director

Abstinence Only Education

In our last newsletter, we described the difference between abstinence-only education and comprehensive sex education. The article may have initially caused some confusion about what program we use in our local schools, so I wanted to take a moment to clarify.

First Choice for Women’s Sexual Risk Avoidance Program (SRA) uses an abstinence-until-marriage curriculum called Creating Positive Relationships, (CPR).

CPR is an Indiana based company located in Carmel. You can learn more about this program, as well as link to the CPR site from the First Choice website at: https://www.firstchoiceforwomen.org/services/abstinence-education/

Abstinence Education Benefits

In keeping with our mission and vision, First Choice uses a curriculum that advises students to consider the facts about the positive health benefits of waiting to be sexually active until marriage.

An article written by Kirk Johnson and Robert Rector for The Heritage Foundation, reports there is strong support, and many benefits, for teaching young people about abstinence – and it just makes sense.

Social science data shows that teens who abstain from sex:

· Are less likely to be depressed or attempt suicide· Experience fewer occurrences of STDs

· Have fewer out-of-wedlock children

· Are less likely to live in poverty

· Are more likely to have stable and long-lasting marriages as adults

This article also reveals findings on academic performance in teens who practice sexual abstinence. Sixty percent (60%) are less likely to be expelled from school; fifty percent (50%) are less likely to drop out of high school, and are almost twice as likely to graduate from college.

To read the entire article go to: https://www.heritage.org/education/report/teenage-sexual-abstinence-and-academic-achievement

First Choice has already brought the abstinence-only message to thousands of students this school year. Recently, a Central High School sophomore wrote, "these lessons helped me further understand why abstinence is important to practice, because it is worth it throughout your life. [It] showed me the consequences of what sex could lead to and how to avoid the infections and diseases. It helps me consider relationship commitments and acknowledge self-goals."

Another Central student gave permission to publish his CPR poem: “Having clap isn't great Abstinence means that you can wait!” (See why we enjoy working with these kids!)

Student comments are one of the many reasons we do this job, and they are written proof of the impact the abstinence message is having in their young lives.

If you would like to see firsthand what is so great about teaching Sexual Risk Avoidance to young people, please contact me before the school year ends to observe a class. I'm praying you will