No One Best Approach to Teen-Age Preganancy
June 18, 1998 | Read Time: 1 minute
To the Editor:
I am responding to your article reflecting the growing philosophical gap between “abstinence only” and other programs to prevent teen-age pregnancy (“Helping Kids Not Have Kids,” April 23).
The fact is, there is no one best approach to programs to prevent teen-age pregnancy. It is time we turn our best minds and means toward an age-appropriate, comprehensive plan to reduce teen-age pregnancy.
In Oregon, abstinence is one part of a comprehensive prevention program called the Governor’s Action Agenda to Teen Pregnancy Prevention. Our abstinence-only program, STARS (Students Today Aren’t Ready for Sex), is based upon the “Postponing Sexual Involvement” curriculum developed by Dr. Marion Howard of Atlanta.
STARS works in Oregon primarily because of comprehensive and thoughtful training and program-delivery standards targeted to the right age group — sixth and seventh graders — before they become sexually active. The curriculum is delivered by extensively trained high-school students who encourage young kids to resist the peer and media pressures that can lead to early sexual involvement.
The abstinence curriculum is not appropriate for all age groups. It would suit neither fourth graders nor 12th graders. And if taught by adults and geared to the wrong age group, it will have little impact on reducing teen-age pregnancy. Because STARS is an integral part of a comprehensive approach, we are able to reach the right ages with appropriate programs at the right times.
Our experience in Oregon indicates that a comprehensive continuum of sexuality education is necessary to reduce teen-age pregnancy. Abstinence-only isn’t the singular solution, but it is a critical component in the effort to help kids not have kids.
Sharon Kitzhaber
First Lady, State of Oregon
Salem, Ore.
