Sexual abstinence for teens topic of major conference

Some statistics surrounding teenagers and sex run counter to popular opinion:

* 50 percent of teens are not sexually active;

* Nearly 79 percent of teens between 15 and 17 favor abstaining from sex before marriage; and

* 40 percent of teenagers who believe in abstinence do so for moral and religious reasons.

Despite the image of teen sexual activity being rampant, the statistics indicate that there are growing numbers of youths choosing to remain abstinent, said Patricia Lederman, associate director of the Albany diocesan Family Life Office.

Support for teens

Geared toward adults who work with youth, policy makers, healthcare professionals and parents, the conference will provide participants with skills to support teens in their choice, educate other adolescents on the importance of abstinence, and give practical steps for starting an abstinence program in schools, parishes and community groups.

The workshops will address the spiritual, physical and emotional aspects of premarital sex. Sessions will also include the impact the media has on teen sexuality, programs that help teens stay abstinent and the male perspective on abstinence.

Guidance for adults

According to Mrs. Lederman, sex education has failed, in that it serves only the half of the teen population that is sexually active. She said the prevailing attitude among sex educators is "they're going to do it anyway," or "it's their hormones." But that ignores the other half that chooses to refrain from sex outside of marriage.

"This is a wake-up call to adults who have been reticent in promoting abstinence," she said.

Physical damage

"In the late `60s, there were two sexually transmitted diseases of consequence," she said. "Today, there are 25."

And while teens represent only two percent of the population, they report 25 percent of the cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Teenage pregnancy is no longer the only result of premature sex. Illness, sterility and even death are other outcomes, due to AIDS, chlamydia and other STDs. That is one of the reasons secular groups are beginning to embrace abstinence.

"My generation is responsible for the sexual revolution," Mrs. Lederman said. "It didn't work, and our kids are paying for it."

(The conference is being sponsored by the Family Life Office, Office of Religious Education, Community Maternity Services, Catholic School Office, Office of Campus Ministry and the Albany Diocesan Drug Education Ministry. Registration before Nov. 1 is $30 a person. Registration between Nov. 1 and 15 is $40 per person. To register, call the Family Life Office at 453-6677.)

(10-24-96) [[In-content Ad]]