Linda Ellerbee

In the following viewpoint, Linda Ellerbee maintains that teenagers are especially vulnerable to contracting HIV because of their belief in their immortality. This belief is typical in young people, Ellerbee asserts, and often leads them to ignore safety precautions. Therefore, she contends, education and prevention programs should target teenagers and should stress the use of condoms to prevent HIV infection. Ellerbee is a nationally syndicated columnist.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. In Ellerbee’s opinion, how does the availability of other means of birth control affect teens’ condom usage?
2. What percentage of teenagers have had sexual intercourse, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study, as cited by Ellerbee"

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