Debra W. Haffner

In the following viewpoint, Debra W. Haffner argues that comprehensive sex education programs are more effective in preventing teen pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases than fear-based abstinence-only sex education programs. She maintains that more than half of American teenagers have had sexual intercourse, a percentage that has remained unchanged since 1990. Federal guidelines requiring schools to teach abstinence-only sex education programs will not reduce the number of sexually active teens, she contends. Therefore, Haffner asserts, teenagers need information and access to contraceptives in order to grow into healthy, responsible adults. Haffner is the president and chief executive officer of the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to the World Health Organization, which programs are most effective in changing teen sexual behaviors"

2. What was the average...