STDs and unexpected pregnancies are a growing problem in America. Many public school systems have worked to mitigate these problems by teaching sex education in schools. However, many schools still use an outdated and ineffective system known as abstinence-only programs. These abstinence programs have the unrealistic goal of preventing everyone from having premarital sex. Additionally, those on abstinence-only programs are at greater risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases and becoming pregnant unintentionally. Abstinence-plus programs, which teach the use of contraceptives in addition to abstinence, would greatly reduce the risk for those who have premarital sex while discouraging it. Additional abstinence programs are even better developed than abstinence-only programs as they are more effective at discouraging students from having premarital sex. This efficiency may be why the majority of the American population supports teaching contraceptive use. A report from the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy said 74 percent of adults believe young people should learn about using contraceptives. as well as the benefits of abstinence (Albert 7). So why do some schools still teach abstinence-only programs? It is clear that these abstinence-only programs are outdated and unwanted. Furthermore, it is well known that many people will have premarital sex. It is an unrealistic goal to believe that abstinence-only programs can completely stop premarital sex. According to a study published by Public Health Reports, ninety-five percent of American men and women have had premarital sex (Finer 73). How do ass... middle of paper... have premarital sex, so the most responsible solution is to at least teach them how to be safe when they do it. Not teaching students about the use of contraceptives can be extremely harmful. Works CitedAlbert, B. “With One Voice 2012: America's Adults and Teens Sound off About TeenPregnancy.” Washington, DC: The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. (2012) Web. 4 April 2014Finer, L. Public Health Reports, January-February 2007; vol. 122: pages 73-78. Press release, The Guttmacher Institute n. page Network. April 5, 2014Rosenbaum JE. “Patient teenagers? A comparison of the sexual behavior of virginity pledgers and matched non-pledgers. Pediatrics. Vol.123 pages 110-20 (2009) Web. 5 April 2014Santelli J. et al. “Abstinence and Abstinence-Only Education: A Review of U.S. Policies and Programs.” Adolescent Health Journal. (2006) Web. 4 April