SECTION: Section A; Column 4; Editorial Desk; Pg. 14
LENGTH: 90 words
HEADLINE: Teaching Youth 'Abstinence Only'
BODY:
To the Editor:
Re "Sex Education With Just One Lesson: No Sex" (front page, Dec. 28):
Abstinence-only programs have nothing to do with good sexuality education.
Experienced teachers favor comprehensive sex education emphasizing both waiting and protecting. And teenagers cry out for honesty in discussions of sexuality.
You note that in abstinence-only programs, "at no point do the teachers invite questions, which could pull the classes into unplanned areas." For 18 years as a sexuality educator committed to dealing with issues frankly, I've rejoiced in the questions that my students ask me.
Over the last two decades, sex education has shifted from street corners to well-prepared classrooms. Now the political clout of the right threatens to undermine good education.
EVELYN ROSSKAMM SHALOM
Montclair, N.J., Dec. 28, 2000
To the Editor:
"Sex Education With Just One Lesson: No Sex" (front page, Dec. 28) underscored that this country's expenditure of nearly $100 million a year on "abstinence only" programs is out of step with what Americans want.
A national survey conducted by the Othmer Institute at Planned Parenthood of New York City found that while Americans want abstinence to be a component of sexuality education, it ranks second to last in importance for inclusion -- behind sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy prevention, safer sex practices and healthy relationship skills.
Moreover, even among Americans who believe that sex outside marriage is "wrong," three-quarters believe that pregnancy prevention and safer sex practices are "very important" parts of sexuality education.
JOAN MALIN
Chief Executive, Planned
Parenthood of New York City
New York, Dec. 28, 2000
To the Editor:
Kudos to the abstinence-only educators featured in your Dec. 28 front-page news article.
They are doing the right thing.
After all, what has secular comprehensive sex education given us over the years? Nothing but rampant promiscuity and millions of abortions. But then, keeping teenagers sexually active by instructing them on "safe sex" is big business in this country.
Try abstinence. It works every time!
MATT C. ABBOTT
Chicago, Dec. 28, 2000
The writer is the executive director of the Illinois Right to Life Committee.
URL: http://www.nytimes.com
LOAD-DATE: January 2, 2001