Comprehensive sex education teaches abstinence as the only certain way to avoid pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections; encourages family communication about sexuality; and teaches skills for making responsible decisions, including how to avoid unwanted verbal, physical, and sexual advances and how not to make unwanted verbal, physical, and sexual advances.

Responsible sex education programs do not increase sexual activity, but studies demonstrate they can help young people delay sexual activity and increase contraceptive use among those who are sexually active, as well as decrease the number of partners among those who are sexually active.

It is irresponsible to withhold information from teens that can protect them from unintended pregnancy and dangerous infections — and that may just save their lives.