Pre-Marital Abstinence

==== Introduction ==== Thanks, Con, for beginning this debate! I'd like to point out that I am not actually in favor of the resolution; I took this challenge simply for the sake of a good debate. The resolution as I understand it reads, "Premarital abstinence is detrimental to the health of the age group that it is imposed on." However, in that case, Con would actually be Pro lol. So for the sake of debate, it should be understood that I am arguing Pro-abstinence (i.e. the position that abstinence is not detrimental) and Con is arguing the opposite. Con also believes that it is a negative force working against teen pregnancy and the promotion of safe sex in general. I believe that I can negate these premises, so without further adieu, let's begin! ==== Contention 1 ==== Because I accept Con's presented definitions, I fail to see how not engaging in sex is "obviously harmful" to the individual who decides to practice abstinence. Abstinence as Con defines it is voluntary forbearance. In other words, if someone is choosing to refrain from sex, they are choosing a path that they feel best suits their values. Some reasons for avoiding sex until after marriage include religious reasons, personal sentiments about the sanctity of sex and wanting to avoid pregnancy and STDs in the safest manner possible. If those are one's reasons for choosing to wait to become sexually active, then I fail to see how this is "obviously harmful" to the individual making that decision. On the contrary, I feel abstinence is obviously helpful. Though there are indeed benefits to having sex, I don't think refraining from those benefits until one is ready or comfortable can be considered HARMFUL (detrimental). ==== Contention 2 ==== The ONLY foul-proof way of warding off pregnancy and STDs/STIs is abstinence. Condoms, birth control and other contraception methods are not 100% effective. Avoiding the sex act all together is the only way concerned individuals can ensure that these things will not be a factor in their lives. Con says that abstinence is a negative force working against teen pregnancy; however, on the contrary it is the BEST birth control against teen pregnancy [1]. ==== Contention 3 ==== Supporting abstinence =/= endorsing abstinence-only sex education. I believe that sex education should be about educating individuals on sex: the risks, how to protect yourself from those risks and what to do if you think you're in trouble. Promoting abstinence in no way assumes that one is anti-sex or sex education. Instead, it simply acknowledges the reality that it is the best course of action for many people and understanding that it is not a dangerous or detrimental position to take as the instigator has implied. ==== Contention 4 ==== I'm assuming that the age group Con references when talking about the resolution is teenagers or those under 25. While it is no secret that one's hormones start raging during their teenage years, it is also no secret that teenagers' brains are not fully developed. The part of the brain that inhibits risky behaviors does not develop until one is about 25 years old [2]. Additionally, Michael Bradley - a psychologist and author specializing in teenagers- says U.S. culture tends to view teens as small adults when neurologically they are nothing but large children [3]. In other words, most teenagers lack typical common sense and other maturity factors. Being immature about sex can be dangerous. For one thing, you might not be ready to deal with the repercussions of sex: mental, emotional and physical. For another, a girl in particular might feel pressured into it meaning she will heavily regret her decision and all of the psychological repercussions that go along with that. At this stage, the physical hormones may override the rational ones leaving one to make a decision that could negatively impact their life forever. Therefore, it makes perfect sense for one to want to avoid this endeavor. ==== Contention 5 ==== One who abstains from sex can still get sexual gratification. For one thing, teenagers can and should masturbate pretty regularly. For another, teens can still kiss or practice "heavy petting." There are various ways to orgasm outside of the realm of sex. ==== Contention 6 === Many teens value their virginity despite the physical craving for sex. Almost all teens (94 percent) believe that teens should be given a strong message from society to abstain from sex until at least after high school. Also, nearly 70 percent of teens said it is not okay for high school teens to have sex, and two-thirds of all sexually experienced teens said they wished they had waited longer to become sexually active. Moreover, most teens think highly of virginity. In 2003, 73 percent of teens surveyed said they are not embarrassed to admit they are virgins. A 2005 study of youth in grades 7-11 found that engaging in premarital sex often leads to depression. Compared to girls who abstain, girls who engage in premarital sex are two to three times more likely to be depressed one year later. Teens who engage in premarital sex are also likely to experience regret, guilt, lowered self-respect, fear of commitment and fears about pregnancy and STDs. In addition, they are more likely to commit suicide [4]. === Contention 7 ==== Kids (teens) can be cruel. Those who have sex at a young age may get a bad reputation, i.e. called a "slut" - especially young women. Abstinence is a way to avoid a negative social stigma. While teens can poke fun at virgins, abstinence implies a WILLINGNESS to abstain from sex therefore negates the idea that one "can't get laid." This is often seen as a virtue or something to respect rather than something to poke fun at. ==== Contention 8 ==== There are many benefits to abstinence including better relationships; couples who wait to have sex have healthier, more trusting relationships, and, if they marry, are less likely to divorce, and generally have better sex lives than those who did not wait. Also, teen girls who abstain from sex until they are older, and limit sexual partners later in life, are less likely to develop cervical cancer or become infertile [5]. ==== Conclusion ==== I reserve the right to add more contentions in R2; however, I will leave it at this for now. I feel that I have proven abstinence can be a great method of birth control or alternative to an active sex life for young people. Many people value the things I've mentioned, meaning choosing to abstain from sex probably would not be detrimental to them. There are benefits to being sexually active indeed, though choosing to wait is not something that should be looked down upon or considered harmful. Whether someone should have sex or is ready to have sex is not only subjective in terms of personal evaluation, but on a case by case basis in general. I look forward to Con's response -- thank you and good luck! [1] http://kidshealth.org... [2] http://www.washingtonpost.com... [3] http://www.usatoday.com... [4] http://www.freerepublic.com... [5] http://www.teenhelp.com...