CWA Outraged by Misleading Harvard Study on Virginity Pledges     5/2/2006

Washington, D.C. — Concerned Women for America (CWA) criticizes a study released today by Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) that challenges the authenticity of pledges made by adolescents to abstain from premarital sex. The study attempts to belittle virginity pledges by claiming that adolescents who make pledges to save sex for marriage break their vows within the first year, and that those who relent to premarital sex are more likely to claim that they never made a virginity vow in the first place.

“This new ‘finding’ by Harvard is misleading and deceptive. Those who have committed to saving sex for marriage are to be congratulated and encouraged,” said Dr. Janice Crouse, CWA’s Senior Fellow of the Beverly LaHaye Institute. “This study is in direct contradiction with the trends we have been seeing in recent years –– both teen pregnancies and teen abortions are down, and evidence indicates these trends are related to increased abstinence among teens. Those who make virginity pledges have shown greater resolve to save sex for marriage. At the same time, those who have not made a conscious decision to abstain from sex are more likely to engage in premarital sexual activity.

“Abstinence education is the only effective tool for teaching young men and women the dangers of promiscuous behavior. Pre-marital sex, especially with multiple partners, greatly increases the risk of sexually transmitted diseases and unintended pregnancies. Not to mention the emotional impact of sexual intimacy.

“The Harvard report is wrong. I know numerous couples who have saved sex for their wedding night. Research is clear –– that it is the best recipe for marital happiness and well-being. Abstinence-until-marriage is a beautiful promise that should be encouraged and promoted.”

For Information Contact:
Demi Bardsley
(202) 488-7000, ext. 134
media.cwfa.org

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