I think it might be helpful to know if abstinence is something that liberals actually do want included in the curriculum. I happen to know that some liberals do NOT want it there, believing that sex is a norm for people having gone through puberty, and that opposing that norm is harmful.

But not all pro-choice people think that way. Many people who believe that abortion should (mostly) be legal, and who absolutely want sex-ed taught in schools also want that sex education to include a rather strong emphasis on abstinence, and the value of abstinence. Some of us want for abstinence programs (like free teens) to have fall back plans – like 12 step programs – where, if you blow it, its ok – get back on the wagon (and if you blow it – don’t drink and drive – or the equivalent in sexual education – if you blow it, be safe). The divide on this issue is harmful – abstinence only programs leave kids largely ignorant to ways of protecting themselves, and somewhat isolated if they occasionally fall short. I do believe that there can be really great abstinence programs that include safe sex safety net instruction – and I do believe that if we’d stop talking past each other on this issue, we’d do a world of good. (OK – I admit that I’m not really looking to integrate with the “it’s natural, and kids will be kids” crowd. But I think they are in the minority…. don’t you?)

QT