Just Say No

To reduce the chance of getting a STD, abstain from sex.
             Without using the method of abstinence, the effects of STD's can be risky. Besides emotional trauma, discomfort and cost for treatment, STD's cause many problems. These include brain, heart, liver damage, and even death. Teens in the United States contract about 3 million STD's a year. "Chlamydia is on the rise, with severe consequences" (Lerman 53). Chlamydia causes smelly vaginal discharge and pussy infections on the penis. Chlamydia can be passed on to an infant during birth causing serious infections. Without treatment, chlamydia can cause infertility, P.I.D. and tubal pregnancy. Sexual education does not work. It only promotes safe sex.
             Another major effect of early sexual intercourse in teenagers is teen pregnancy. Teenage pregnancies are increasing more now than ever before. For every 10 females, four become pregnant before age 20. Over eighty percent are to unmarried teens (Templeton). Unmarried teen pregnancies result in the absence of a father figure in the home. Teen mothers are not qualified to get high paying jobs and therefore live at the poverty level. Their future hopes and goals are trashed. .
             Being a parent is a lifelong commitment and should not be taken lightly. Unplanned and unwanted pregnancy has a negative effect on the baby. Because of poor prenatal care, these babies are more likely to have health problems at birth causing life long disabilities. (We believe) The pressure that children raised by teenage parents go through is tremendous. These children are brought into a competitive world and start life at a handicap. All of this pressure causes enormous physical and mental stress on both mom and child. Sexual education programs are reckless, irresponsible, and a slap in the face to the traditional family value.
             Not only do teen pregnancy and STD's have serious consequences for parents, children, and society; they also have economic consequences.