Youth Under Attack

Father James Whalen, Priests for Life Newsletter 2007 issue 1

Due primarily to the the sexual revolution in the 1960s and 1970s, which promoted sex outside of mar­riage, as well as multiple sexual partners, teen sexual activ­ity has multiplied and has resulted in increased sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), as well as the spread of teen pregnancy. Each day in America over 42,000 cases of STDs occur: 10,000 of them among teenagers. Each day over 2,500 teen girls become pregnant. The situation rapidly went out of control. Until the 1970s there were only two pri­mary STDs, and both were curable. Today there are over twenty-five STDs and many of them arc incurable. Teens have been sold a bill of goods by being told that a piece of latex or a pill will protect them from the devastating conse­quences of STDs and unwanted pregnancy.

Understanding what goes on in the teen brain will help c1arify the picture. There are two different approaches. Two main branches are actively involved: the amygdala a lower portion of the brain, which is active at the level of feelings, impulses, and emotional responses, and the pre-frontal cortex, which is active in planning, decision-making, seeing consequences, moral intelligence, rational behavior, and abstract thinking. During adolescence, brain pruning. takes place where strong connections are made in the brain based on whether they are used or not. Parts that are· used are strengthened. Parts that are not used are eliminated. The so-­called comprehensive or condom-based sex-ed teaches to the amygdala. The false reasoning is that since teens can't seem to control their sexual urges, something must be done to protect them. Abstinence education and character devel­opment programs teach to, and help to develop, the pre­frontal cortex. Abstinence is the safest and healthiest lifestyle, providing emotional, cultural, social, and physical benefits for today's youth. Youth are capable and mature enough to make healthy choices for their lives. Abstinence programs also teach to the amygdala by using stories, activ­ities, and action-based learning.

Youth are under attack in pro-contraceptive sex-education programs. There is a need to clarify whether sex-ed is pro­tection or promotion. In America, national studies of the most-popular so-called comprehensive programs of sex-ed, a mere 4.7% of their content focused on abstinence. These programs include exercises such as: condom relay races, shopping assignments for condoms, fantasizing in class about sexual activity, encouraging alternative sexual activi­ties, and acceptance of alternative life styles (e.g.: experi­mentation with various partners, showering together, fanta­sizing with or without a partner, etc.). The current message being taught in regard to responsibility is: (1) don't rape or pressure anyone into sexual activity; (2) don't make a baby; and (3) don't catch or spread a sexually-transmitted disease. No comprehensive sex-ed program has been found to reduce the rate of STDs or pregnancy in program partici­pants. The one program that reduced pregnancy involved injecting participating teens with the Depo Provera birth control. The National Institutes of Health reports that there is insufficient evidence that condoms offer protection against the most common STDs in America today, including Human Papillomavirus, Genital Herpes, Chlamydia, Trichomoniasis, Chancroid, and Syphilis. The fact is that teen sex produces far more pain than pleasure. "No sex out­side marriage" is the golden rule that should be taught and followed. Wait until marriage is still sound advice as well as the wisdom of our Creator.

Teaching teens about contraception has not worked. Teens who do not exhibit self-control by engaging in sexual activ­ity are not likely to exhibit self-control in the use of contra­ceptive devices (e.g., six steps to correct condom use). According to research, teens are more likely to act in the moment, impulsively, without thinking about consequences, especially when strong emotional and physical feelings are involved. Studies have shown that the typical use of con­doms is inconsistent with teens and STD rates have increased significantly during the same time condom use has increased. Condom use can only reduce - not eliminate the risk ofSTDs. The consequences are very damaging (i.e.: each year 100,000 to 200,000 females become infertile as a result of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PlV) caused by Chlamydia and Gonorrhea.

The overwhelming majority of young people who have had sex regret their decision and wish they had waited. Research data shows the connection between teen sex, depression and suicide. Oxytocin, the bonding hormone that is released during sexual arousal is not stopped· by contraception. Broken hearts are not protected by condoms. The majority of young people want to have lifelong stable marriage rela­tionships. In a national poll, 95% stated they wanted a strong message to be delivered to abstain from sex until marriage. emotional trauma experienced:

A personal witness to a teenage breakup reveals the emotional trauma experienced. "I was fifteen and we had been going out for a year. We went all the way. A few days after we broke up, it was the most painful time in my life. I was depressed, moody, nervous ... I felt like a failure. I dropped out of sports. My grades weren't terrific. I didn't go out again until college. I've had mostly one night stands in the last couple of years. I'm afraid of falling in love" ( college senior).

Waiting until marriage to be sexu­ally active is possible for youth. It means starting out with a firm reso­lution with no exceptions. Abstinence is the healthy means to a chaste and happy lifestyle doing the will of God. It means tuning out the opposite messages and pressure from peers. It means making sure that when you date the person, your date understands your decision and respects it. It means showing real love means waiting. It means being responsible for each other, accord­ing to God's law.

When teens are challenged by the truth, and by the facts, they can respond accordingly: "Treating the other sex with special consideration and high regard stems from choos­ing abstinence. An individual who desires to stay abstinent is rewarded a thousand times over. It feels good not to fret about STDs, and about not having to take care of a child while in high school. ... My belief of sex involves two people who give their body and soul to each other for a lifetime" (Daniel Shallcross, age 17, Teens Speak Out essay contest winner).

 WHAT CAN YOU DO?

1. Parents, priests, and educators should examine abstinence and sex­ed curricula being taught in their local school systems.

2. Offer posItIve options where needed to make necessary changes.

3. Contact local officials, school administrators, and legislators to let them know your opinion on this important issue.

Permission to use research info has been granted by Libby Gray Macke, Director, Project Reality, Co-author of A. C. Green Game Plan Abstinence Program & Navigator: