Facts

Did You Know?

Approximately 1 in 4 sexually active teens in the U.S. is infected with a STI. That's one every 8 seconds!*
There are treatments but NOT cures for viral STI such as herpes, HPV, HIV, and hepatitis.
Abstinence from all sexual activity ELIMINATES the risk of STD infection (unless infected at birth).
Teenagers are much more susceptible to STI than older adults, and teenage girls are especially at risk for complications of STI such as chronic pain, PID (pelvic inflammatory disease), and infertility (unable to achieve or maintain pregnancy).

*If you have been sexually active, please get evaluated by a doctor ... and consider "renewed virginity." This is a very wise and healthy choice for teens who have already engaged in sexual activity, but decide from this point forward that they are worth waiting for!

For almost 30 years, our education system has largely adopted a comprehensive or "safe sex" approach to sexual education. As a result of this "non-directive" method of teaching, the numbers of young people having sex outside of marriage has escalated. Currently in the U.S., we are experiencing an STD epidemic. Tragically, 63% of STD (or STI) occur in people under 25. The consequences to health and well being of individuals/families can be devastating. Condoms have never been able to protect the mind or heart. The good news is that PARENTS ARE STILL THE NUMBER ONE INFLUENCE for teens choosing NOT to become sexually active! Talk with them, show them you care--they'll listen.

Even if teens were to use condoms consistently and correctly, there is no clinical proof that condoms protect against certain STIs including HPV, the most common viral STI in America. This STI causes almost all cases of cervical cancer in women.* Encouraging teens to use hormonal contraception can make them more vulnerable to STD infection. Abstinence education provides students with a positive view of sexuality. It is a message to empower and equip this generation of adolescents with truth for healthy decision making and healthy relationships!

Did you know that the state of Ohio has a law regarding venereal disease education that abstinence must be emphasized as the ONLY 100% effective way to prevent unwed pregnancy and STD?** The Responsible Social Values Program was in compliance with all six points of this law even before it was law!

RSVP Toledo is in compliance with Ohio's Abstinence Education Law ( Section 3313.6011 of the Ohio Revised Code). RSVP Toledo also collaborates with AEN (Abstinence Educators Network)

For further enrichment regarding the values we stress, we recommend you also visit, www.family.org.

*See summary of NIH report on condom effectiveness at: www.niaid.nih.gov/dmid/stds/condomreport.pdf

** See Section 3313.6011 of the Ohio Revised Code (as mandated in ORC 3313.60)