The National Abstinence Education Association Releases Definitive Report: Sexual Risk Avoidance Education: Considerations for Protecting Teen Health

Part 1: Challenging the Content, Research, and Funding of Comprehensive Sex Education's Risk Reduction Approach

June 19, 2012 - Today the National Abstinence Education Association (NAEA) released Part 2 of a definitive report on Sexual Risk Avoidance (SRA) abstinence education. Part 2 provides the rationale behind recommending the Sexual Risk Avoidance approach as the best and most effective approach for sex education instruction for American youth. With great detail and thoroughly referenced information, this report demonstrates the theoretical frameworks that provide the foundational bases for the SRA approach. It also provides the compelling research showing the effectiveness of SRA programs and the evidence-based finding supporting the delay of teen sexual initiation among other positive outcomes for youth.

"This report presents a fair and honest look at what really works when it comes to sex education in our classrooms. For too long, the public discussion has been characterized by hyperbole and thoughtless rhetoric that ignores facts in favor of special interest agendas. Teen sexual activity is a complex personal, cultural, and social issue. It demands an intellectual integrity that allows us to examine social science research and the impact of medical facts to arrive at the best way to teach teens about their sexuality. This report will add a much needed objectivity to the sex education debate so that the health and well-being of youth can be realized," stated Valerie Huber, Executive Director of NAEA.

In addition to detailed information regarding the holistic nature of SRA, the report also makes policy recommendations for Congress and the White House. It calls of federal sex education policy to include a risk avoidance emphasis in all youth prevention strategies based on established public health models and evidence-based strategies. "For those who are willing to examine the facts, SRA education is a clear, positive choice that soundly informs our sex education policy," added Huber.

Read part 2 of the report here.