To examine the role of abstinence programs when discussing the prevention of pregnancy, it helps to consider both sides in the argument. That is, the argument for abstinence and the argument against it. Here are several arguments for abstinence.
Abstinence is the only pregnancy prevention form that is 100 percent effective. However small, every other method of contraception has a risk factor. A teen practicing abstinence will never become pregnant.
Teens who abstain from any type of sexual activity will also never suffer a sexually transmitted disease. Never.
Teens who abstain from sexual activities are also less likely to have to suffer emotional or even physical abuse in a relationship. They are also less likely to be a high school dropout, feel pressured to have sex or engage in substance abuse. These are all risk factors that teens who explore sexuality at early age endure with more frequency.
A teen who is involved in a romantic relationship without sexual activity knows the partner is interested in them for who they are and not what they are willing to do.
There are studies that indicate couples who delay having sex until marriage enjoy greater relationship satisfaction.
Teens are emotionally vulnerable in this stage of their lives and getting involved in sexual relationships increases that vulnerability. This increases the chances of them being hurt by a partner. It is so much easier to deal with a relationship when sex is not a factor.
But best of all, abstinence costs nothing and has absolutely no side effects!