The Abstinence Clearinghouse Blog

By now most of you have probably heard or read about the new school policy in Provincetown, MA where students from elementary school to high school were to be able to access free condoms simply by visiting with the school nurse or counselor.  No minimum age limit, no parental permission and no parental control to opt their children out of this program.

School Superintendent Beth Singer has apologized for what she calls a “misunderstanding” over the district’s sex education policy.  However, in the beginning of this controversy, she was quoted defending the policy by saying, “The intent is to protect kids”.  Perhaps Superintendent Singer should take a look at the real truth about the effectiveness of condoms.

1. Condoms are not considered effective protection against some STD’s, especially those that spread by skin to skin contact.
2. Studies have shown that with typical use condoms have an actual failure rate of almost 15%. 
3. Condoms do not protect against all pregnancies.

Parents need to give their children the right tool.  The term “safe sex” should never be associated with condoms.  The right tool to give our children to save themselves from STD’s and unplanned pregnancies is abstinence; abstinence works every time.