Virginity/sexual abstinence pledges:

Behavior of youth after
taking an abstinence pledge

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Researchers at Columbia University conducted a study of abstinence "pledge card" programs. The results were published in the American Journal of Sociology in 2001. They found that those who took the pledge delayed their first sexual experiences:

However, among those who became sexually active, they were one-third less likely to use contraceptives. This leaves them more vulnerable to unintended pregnancy, HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. ₂

THIS ESSAY IS CURRENTLY BEING EXPANDED

References used:

1. "Do teens really stick by their abstinence pledges?," Gravity Teen, at: http://www.gravityteen.com/
2. "Harmful Consequences," SIECUS, at: http://www.nonewmoney.org/harmful.htm
3. Paul Recer, "Virginity Pledgers Delay Sex: If enough teens swear off sex--but not too many--virginity can get a toehold," Associated Press, 2001-JAN-04, at: http://www.beliefnet.com/
4. Ceci Connolly, "Teen Pledges Barely Cut STD Rates, Study Says," Washington Post, 2005-MAR-19, at: http://www.washingtonpost.com/
5. Hannah Brückner & Peter Bearman, "After the promise: the STD consequences of adolescent virginity pledges." Journal of Adolescent Health, 36 (2005) Pages 271 to 278, at: http://www.iserp.columbia.edu/

Copyright © 2005 by Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance
Originally posted: 2005-MAR-20
Latest update: 2005-APR-25
Author: B.A. Robinson