A study released on August 27, 2007, by the Mathematica Policy Research, Inc., shows that Edgefield students, many who received both abstinence education and an additional life-skills component, are far more likely to abstain from sex than students in other parts of South Carolina and throughout the United States.
“What this illustrates, quite simply, said Valerie Huber, Executive Director, NAEA, “ is that when youth receive the abstinence message in school and it is reinforced at home and in the community, teens respond by choosing to abstain.”
“Abstinence education encompasses relationship building, self-esteem building and related skills to help teens successfully navigate through the difficult adolescent years” explained Huber, “and increased federal funding for abstinence programs has significantly contributed to the nationwide decline in teen pregnancies and decrease in the percentage of teens who have ever had sex.”
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About NAEA:
The National Abstinence Education Association (NAEA) is comprised of leading abstinence educators and supporters from across the U.S.
For more information:
http://www.abstinenceassociation.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Patra Stephan, Communications Director,
202.248.5420
September 5, 2007