The Problematic Promotion of Abstinence: An Overview of Sex Respect

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Abstract
A content evaluation of the abstinence-based sexuality education curriculum Sex Respect was conducted, focusing on the curriculum's message and presentation. The four primary goals for a human sexuality education curriculum according to the SIECUS guidelines, as well as a methodology for designing, using and evaluating health education materials developed by the Pan American Health Organization provided the framework for the evaluation. Results indicate Sex Respect omits basic content and includes misinformation, especially in the areas of reproductive health and human sexual response. Authors conclude that Sex Respect fails to meet professional standards for a comprehensive sexuality education curriculum, and needs further evaluation and revision. Specific topics for future assessments are discussed.The reemergence of religious and political conservatism, the abortion controversy, AIDS, and teenage pregnancy in the US over the past two decades are associated with a proliferation of sexuality education curricula which emphasize the teaching of abstinence. The authors report findings from a content evaluation of the abstinence-based sexuality education curriculum Sex Respect, paying particular attention to the curriculum's message and presentation. The authors focus upon Sex Respect because it is one of the highest profiled abstinence-based curricula in the US. SIECUS guidelines for an human sexuality education curriculum in combination with Pan American Health Organization methodology for designing, using, and evaluating, health education materials provided the framework for the evaluation. The assessment found that Sex Respect omits basic content and includes misinformation, especially in the areas of reproductive health and human sexual response. Sex Respect fails to meet professional standards for a comprehensive sexuality education curriculum, and needs further evaluation and revision. In fact, most abstinence-based education programs have been found to omit critical information, contain medical misinformation, include sexist and anti-choice bias, and often have a foundation in fundamentalist religious beliefs. Specific topics for future assessments are discussed.