Parents Agree: Abstinence education is the best health message for teens.

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Parents Agree: Abstinence education is the best health message for teens.

A nationwide Zogby poll conducted in 2007 showed that parents prefer abstinence education 2 to 1 over comprehensive sex education. Among other findings from the poll:

 - 9 out of 10 parents agree that being sexually abstinent is best for their child’s health and future.

 - 8 in 10 parents support public schools promoting abstinence vs. encouraging contraceptive use.

-  2 out of 3 parents think the importance of the “wait to have sex” message ends up being lost when programs demonstrate and encourage the use of contraception.

 Abstinence education works!

  •  Delaying the onset of sexual behavior
  • Reversing risky behavior in teens who were previously sexually active
  • Reducing teen pregnancy rates
  • Decreasing the number of partners in sexually active teens

Current federal funding for abstinence education is nearly $170 million, but the results are a cost-savings to taxpayers! When teen birth rates are reduced, taxpayers save $6 for every $1 spent.

 Defining Abstinence Education

Abstinence education empowers teens to avoid risk by making good health decisions, regardless of their sexual history. Abstinence means to voluntarily refrain from sexual activity including, but not limited to, sexual intercourse. Abstinence education, as funded by Congress, is decidedly more inclusive than “just say no”. The term, “abstinence only” is often used by opponents to create the false perception that abstinence education is a narrow and unrealistic approach. Abstinence education is in fact broader and more holistic than other approaches and focuses on the real-life struggles that teens face as they navigate through the difficult adolescent years.

 Abstinence education realizes that “having sex” can potentially affect a lot more than the sex organs of teens, but as research shows, can also have emotional, psychological, social, economic and educational consequences. That’s why topics frequently discussed in an abstinence education class include:

  • Identifying healthy relationships
  • Avoiding or getting out of dangerous, unhealthy, or abusive relationships
  • Developing skills to make good decisions
  • Setting goals for the future and taking realistic steps to reach them
  • Understanding and avoiding STDs
  • Information about contraceptives and their effectiveness against pregnancy and STDs
  • Practical ways to avoid inappropriate sexual advances
  • Why abstinence until marriage is optimal

 So, within an abstinence education program, teens receive all the information they need in order to make healthy choices. That’s a lot of information and skills packed into an abstinence curriculum! And all of these topics are taught within the context of why abstinence is the best choice. There’s nothing “only” about the abstinence approach!

What is Comprehensive Sex Education (CSE)?

There are vast differences between abstinence education and CSE. The major distinction is how each approach regards teens. Abstinence education believes teens can and increasingly do, avoid sex, so the discussion empowers them to make the healthiest sexual decision – which is to abstain. By contrast, CSE assumes that teens don’t have the ability to avoid sexual experimentation, so most of their time is spent talking about sex and the use of condoms and other forms of contraception. Comprehensive Sex Education assumes that teens will engage in high risk sexual behavior and are content to merely reduce the risk of that behavior.

A review of CSE curricula show that, on average, only about 5% of their time is devoted to the abstinence message, with the definition of abstinence usually subjectively defined by the student. One popular “abstinence plus” text promoted by comprehensive sex ed providers, asks students to brainstorm “what sexual behaviors a person could engage in and still be ‘abstinent’” and suggested activities such as “cuddling with no clothes on”, “masturbating with a partner”, “rubbing bodies together.”

Students are sent nondirective and confusing definitions for abstinence that are filled with risk and predictably, the discussion quickly moves to “the endless possibilities of outercourse” and “making the transition from sexual abstinence.” Alarmingly, CSE curricula present abstinence and condom use as equally “safe” options, promoting dangerous and medically inaccurate information to teens. A 2007 report by the U.S.Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) found that many highly recommended “comprehensive” curricula devote little time to teaching the merits of abstaining from sex but spend an overwhelming amount of teaching time topics such as condom demonstration and sexual game play as methods of “safe” sex. The study revealed startling components of the “comprehensive” curricula that taught teens as young as 13 lessons that include:

  • Advocating showering together as a no-risk activity
  • Promoting methods for sexual stimulation
  • Conducting role-plays on how to help a partner maintain an erection
  • Describing how to eroticize condom use with a partner
  • Suggesting teens wear “shades” or disguises when shopping for condoms so parents and adults won’t recognize them

Abstinence Under Attack

Organized efforts are underway in every state to replace abstinence education with comprehensive sex education. Parents are being misled by about the true content of comprehensive sex education programs being taught in their children’s classrooms. Expose the truth, your child’s health and future is at stake.

Read more: www.parentsfortruth.org   

 

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Celebrate National Parents’ Day Every 4th Sunday of July

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he McGovern Family, 2008 National Parents of the Year with Congressman Charlie Dent and Pastor Sue Yoder.

Congratulations to the McGovern family, 2008 National Parents' of the Year featured here with Congressman Charlie Dent and Pastor Sue Yoder

Thomas and Kathleen McGovern of Emmaus, PA are the 2008 National Parents’ of the Year. “Tom and Kathy”, as they are fondly called, have three biological children, Tom, Sarah, and Jessica and four adopted children. Recently, they also fostered a medical mission child. Jennica, who they arranged to have open-heart surgery. Tom and Kathy also provided care for Tom’s 92 year-old grandmother.  They have been foster parents for over twenty years, caring especially for developmentally disabled children.  They have provided care for over forty domestic children and five international children. Kathy holds degrees in Early Childhood, Elementary and Special Education.  Tom has a Doctorate in Chiropractics and is teaching classes in Anatomy and Physiology at two local colleges.

Kathy feels that her mission in life is to take care of others, particularly the disabled.  Brianna and Eric are in wheelchairs.  Tom and Kathy have seen to it that foster children in their care have had surgeries in order to make their lives better.  A recent example is Jennica, a foster care child who had surgery in order for her to be able to walk.  Kathy is helping raise funds for Jennica’s adoption by another couple through Barnes and Noble book sales and organizing car washes with the help of The Barn Community.  The McGoverns also help other foster families by sharing their knowledge and skills.

The McGoverns are very active within their local community.  Tom has served on the Upper Milford Township Zoning, Recreation and Library Boards.  He also served on the Lehigh County 4-H Development Board.  Some of their children play ball in the Miracle League for children with disabilities.  Perhaps their greatest legacy is the impact of having fostered and loved over 50 children entrusted to their care.  They have offered compassion, value and hope to the lives      of children whom many have abandoned.  If you meet any of their children, you immediately see the influence Kathy and Tom’s love has had upon them.

Tom and Kathy willingly place the needs of others above those of themselves.  They do not emphasize material possessions, but rather place importance on love for children and concern for others.  They usually cannot afford the extras, such as vacations, expensive clothing or furnishings, but are content and flourish with the lifestyle that they have.  Most of all they are genuinely grateful for anything that is given to them or done for them.  They are truly “Paying It Forward” by carrying out their mission of welcoming and caring for children who need a loving family.  To most they are an inspiration and role model, but they consider their actions nothing more than living out the call to love neighbor that we are all invited to do.

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David and Candace Abel of Elizabethtown, PA have been selected by the National Parents’ Day Council to receive a 2007 National Excellence in Parenting award. The Abels were also selected as the 2007 Pennsylvania Parents of the Year by the Pennsylvania Family Coalition.

The Abels are raising 12 children, ranging in age from 5 to 31…. nine of whom are adopted, while three are “homemade” (according to David’s humor).  The adopted children are from all over the world, including Korea , Thailand , Haiti , China and the U.S. …and they are all “special needs” children. Candace summed up her view of her 12 children, “They are my kids. God gave them to me to take care of. They’re easy to love. They’re surprisingly compatible.”

In 1989, the Abels adopted their first daughter, Brittany, after the 12 year-old’s mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Brittany ’s father had abandoned the family earlier. Brittany suffered from various psychological problems. But, with the Abels’ loving care, she overcame those difficulties and grew into a beautiful young woman. Tragically, she lost her life in a car accident in 1999.  That same year, the Abels founded the nonprofit Brittany’s Hope Foundation, which helps to facilitate the adoption of children with disabilities from around the world. Candace now serves as the Director of the foundation’s board of 21 members. She also earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work while raising the children and serves as a volunteer with the Social Justice Committee at her church and on the board of Elizabethtown College.

The Abels work as a close team in raising their diverse children. They are the epitome of unconditional love in action.

Oscar and Sharon Rossum 2006 Pennsylvania Parents of the Year
Oscar and Sharon Rossum 2006 Pennsylvania Parents of the Year

 E. D. Hill, Fox News channel host and author congratulates Oscar and Sharon Rossum as Pennsylvania parents of the year

OSCAR AND SHARON ROSSUM of York, Pennsylvania are the parents of six beautiful children ranging in age from 12 to 20 and have been married for 28 years. Oscar is the senior pastor and founder of Mt. Zion Community Fellowship Church and the President of Pennsylvania’s first public school to be converted into a Charter School- with over 700 students and 100 staff. But these are voluntary positions–he has worked with Tyco Electronics for 22 years to earn the support of his large family!

Daughter Carissa, 18, just graduated from high school with honors and a 4.2 grade-point average. The oldest daughter, Ciara, was President of her graduating class two years ago, and also was a star athlete. The children have all received honors for academics, sports and/or music. They are involved in many extracurricular activities including PSI (Postponing Sexual Involvement), Future Leaders of York, National Honor Society, Student Council, Black and Latino Male Task Force, etc. In March, 2004, the five oldest, having formed a singing quintet, won first place at the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem, NY. This was after winning first place in the Apollo on Tour Contest at the Strand Capital Theatre in York City, PA in February, 2004.

The Rossums are known for making their home available to youth of all ages at all hours. They also took in Jylieq, a youth who had lost his biological father in a tragic situation, as a member of their family. It is little wonder that the Rossums have been honored by the city of York, given keys to the city, among a number of other awards.

 

Douglas and Fidelia Friedman 2005 PA Parents of the Year

Douglas and Fidelia Friedman 2005 PA Parents of the Year

 

 The Friedmans have 3 children-Samuel, 16, Eric, 13 and Rebecca, 10 yrs old. They met in Mexico City, where both at the time were journalists. Their home is one where tolerance and love for differences in people is the norm. He is white, was born Jewish and speaks with a northern East Coast accent. She is dark-skinned, from a Catholic family, and speaks with a strong Mexican accent. Their children have grown up knowing to love and respect others no matter their race or religion. Both are now teachers; she to kindergarten, he to university students at Pennsylvania State University at Harrisburg.

Their daughter, Becky, was born with many developmental problems. For the first 5 years of her life, she was fed through surgically inserted tubes. Every night, she must receive a growth hormone injection (which her loving brothers often administer). Douglas and Fidelia have battled with her illnesses, uncooperative school administrators, and their own health problems to insure that Becky could receive the best education possible. Their son, Sam, has Tourettes Syndrome. By the nonstop efforts of his parents, Sam is a happy teenager, a Boy Scout, active athlete and B student. Their other son, Eric is an honor student who has won many academic awards (for example, he reached the regional Spelling Bee finals 3 years in a row.)

Three years ago, Douglas developed cancer. His treatments included over 4 months of chemotherapy, followed by a month of radiation treatment. His oncologist said that Douglas ‘ reaction to the chemotherapy was the most difficult that he had ever seen in a patient. Despite the ravages of chemo, he continued teaching throughout the treatment, missing only one day during the whole time. He and Fidelia also maintained their home as a stable environment for the children, taking turns in driving them to their sports, school events, etc. Despite all of their challenges, the Friedmans continue to volunteer with community organizations, their childrens schools and their synagogue. Their example of unceasing service to the community in spite of great adversity continually inspires all those who know this special family.

 

Rob and Angela Vaugh 2004 PA Parents of the Year with daughter Stephanie and Governor Ed Rendell

Rob and Angela Vaugh 2004 PA Parents of the Year with daughter Stephanie and Governor Ed Rendell

   

 

 

 

 

   

 

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Discovering the Real Me

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We are announcing an exciting new program we are developing throughout Pennsylvania, that of Character Education. The curriculum we are adopting, Discovering the Real Me is a multi-pronged approached to helping students build character that includes activities that can be used in After School Programs, Summer Camps, by Guidance Counselors, for Student Support Groups like SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) as well as PTAs and community organizations.

Studies have shown that a character education program is most effective when it is a comprehensive, intentional effort that involves the home, school and community. These three components, working together create a support system that reinforces the lessons learned and helps foster a positive working partnership between the three.

The curriculum is unique in that is uses stories to teach key virtues, includes both student and teacher texts for all grades from one to twelve and focuses on three basic live goals:

  • To grow and become a person of mature character
  • To build healthy relationships and a loving family
  • To make a positive contribution to society.


The concept of life goals provides a larger perspective for conceptualizing character education. It provides a theoretical framework that encompasses the diverse aims and methods of character education. Appealing to youth’s imagination with attractive images of growth, relationships, and creativity, a life goals framework allows teachers and other leaders to fully articulate the “why” of good behavior. Moral ideas and goals point youth toward activities inherently worthy and rewarding. They provide long-range, meaningful motivation for character educators and students alike.

Call us today to discuss ways we can partner on this initiative or to schedule a Character Education training at 570 842 3205 email: info@pafamilies.org

Sincerely yours,

Lourdes Swarts

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