26 May 2005
Absolute Abstinence Program Producing Results

Destiny New Zealand leader Richard Lewis says the Absolute Abstinence program pioneered by the Auckland Youth Development Trust is proving that a policy of abstinence as the entry point to sex education does work.

"After its first six months the program has produced a 96 percent success rate amongst 203 young people who have made a pledge of abstinence from sex before marriage. This is a great result considering the epidemic of STD's and unwanted pregnancies prevalent among New Zealand youth", says Lewis.

On Friday the program will enrol another 372 young people nationwide who have completed a seven week education program and are excited about making the pledge of abstinence that also includes refraining from drugs, cigarettes and alcohol.

"The Ministry of Health's 'Rubba Hubba' campaign does nothing more than pitch sexual promiscuity and homosexuality to young people through mainstream television. It also fails to warn young people that condoms don't actually protect against many STD's. Abstinence should be the entry point to sex education as it is the only 100 percent method of protection", Lewis added.

ENDS

© Scoop Media