Freedom to Abstain

                The liberty principle for this Freedom Friday concerns the simple fact that abstinence from sex prevents unwanted pregnancies as well as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).  This fact has been disputed for many years but has been proven to be true by recent studies.  The facts are finally becoming clear. 

                The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  recently reported dramatic declines in teen births and included the acknowledgement that abstinence efforts contributed to these declines.  The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) explained that these declines “reflect a number of behavioral changes, including decreased sexual activity….”

                Janice Shaw Crouse, PhD, connected much data recorded in the battle to convince liberals and other Americans about the benefits of abstinence.  “Heretofore, the official line has been that abortion and birth control have been the driving forces in the decline in teen births.  The facts, though, have been consistently pointed out … that both contraception and abortion have been constants throughout the time periods covered by CDC and that the new factor in the equation is more effective and widespread abstinence education.  The facts about the success of the more sophisticated abstinence campaigns are further developed in two major reports….”

                The facts as reported by the CDC and explained by Dr. Crouse have been proclaimed for years by pro-family activists, scholars, and legislators.  Knowing the facts and figures contained in Dr. Crouse’s number should empower the rising generation to resist temptation to give in to hormones or the claim that “everybody is doing it.”

                The facts also reflect the truth included in the law of chastity as taught by prophets, apostles, and other religious leaders for centuries.  Chastity is sexual purity.  In order to be truly chaste, one must be morally clean in thoughts, words, and actions.  This means avoidance of pornography and any sexual relations outside of a legal and lawful marriage.

                Heavenly Father made His children capable of sex in order for them to create children and to express love within marriage.  He has declared that sexual activity outside of marriage is a sin, but Satan has convinced many people to believe that unmarried sexual intimacy is acceptable. 

                Teaching children, teenagers, and young adults to abstain from sex brings them freedom.  By abstaining from sexual activity, they become free from worry about STDs, unwanted pregnancies, abortions, and other fears that should not be a part of their lives.  Abstinence from sex except during the bonds of legal and lawful marriage brings freedom, and these statistics bring the freedom to abstain without being embarrassed or humiliated.  The facts give everyone the freedom to abstain!