Premarital sex

This is my first proposed debate and I respectfully ask that you would be gracious to me as I lay down what I believe to be a sound argument. I would like to make an argument against premarital sex. However, because secular research in the main does not assess the benefits of morality I will be forced to use other tools such as philosophical reasoning and also religious arguments to back up my premise, but not excluding other material. I hope that you will respect that regardless of belief we need common ground and agreement. I hope you will accept the premise that a religious argument is at least equally as valid as a secular humanistic premise and can be debated on an equal footing, at the very least from a reference point. I also consider that testimony is also a valid research tool, together with historic references. The legal system also values and accepts these forms of information. Human personality in the sense of emotions, psychology, health and reasoning is also a valid in the debate about sex as it is a central part of the sex itself. I hope you will agree to these parameters in order to have a worthwhile debate. As I have just now discovered that the burden of proof is upon me I will attempt to show evidence and present my argument as to why premarital sex causes harm in the long run. Sex - In human beings is unlike sexual activity between animals. It is more than biology, it is more than hormones, it is more than pleasure, it is more than instinct. Whilst many studies have been done comparing the sexual activities of animals with people in order to undermine moral standing, such as homosexuality, cannibalism, prostitution and promiscuity as in; http://en.wikipedia.org... I hope to show that the differences between animals and humans are paramount to highlight the dangers of premarital sex and/or promiscuity. Animals do not usually kill themselves due to failed relationships/promiscuity. But there is evidence that teenage girls who have premarital sex are twice more likely to commit suicide than girls who practice abstinence - "Point of View" Dec 10, 2004 Teenage boys who have sex are seven times more likely to commit suicide than boys who are sexually abstinent - ibid A frequent result of promiscuity or premarital sex is abortion. Girls who have abortions are six times more likely to commit suicide compared to those who do not have an abortion. The National Post 2007 reports 25% of girls 15-25 years of age have venereal warts (HPV). Transmission is not prevented by condoms. It is also a pre-cursor to cervical cancer. HPV is incurable. Studies have shown that the increase of cervical cancer is linked to multiple sexual partners and additionally increases depending on the age of the girl/woman. The younger the girl/woman the higher the risk. As we can see although people who promote promiscuity say that sex increases health, often research has been used inappropriately. Many untrained people have not taken into consideration the spiritual and emotional difficulties that arise from premarital sex. The definition of health is considered to be holistic and covers spiritual, emotional, relational, social and psychological aspects of a person. Several research papers have indicated that people live longer, are happier and maintain health more appropriately in marriage rather than multiple partners, citation below. Studies show that women are have the following benefits because of healthy marriage: More satisfying relationship Emotionally healthier Wealthier Less likely to be victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or other violent crimes Less likely to attempt or commit suicide Decrease risk of drug and alcohol abuse Less likely to contract STD's Less likely to remain or end up in poverty Have better relationships with their children Physically healthier Studies show that men have the following benefits because of a healthy marriage: Live longer Physically healthier Wealthier Increase in the stability of employment Higher wages Emotionally healthier Decrease risk of drug and alcohol abuse Have better relationships with their children More satisfying sexual relationship Less likely to commit violent crimes Less likely to contract STD's Less likely to attempt or commit suicide http://www.familydynamics.net... Whilst the benefits of a healthy marriage do not directly oppose premarital sex. There is evidence to show that premarital sex reduces the chance of a successful marriage compared to abstinence. Even long term co-habiting does not have the same benefits as in marriage, such as longer life, more sex and better family relations. Premarital sex harms those who wish to get married later, and increases the chance of divorce. http://www.psychpage.com... http://www.laughyourway.com...