2003 Abstinence Essay Contest 1st Place   Stephanie Whitfield, 10th grader at Spring Creek High School is recognized by Dr. Michael Gooden, Wayne County Board of Health Chairperson and Evelyn Coley, Interim Wayne County Health Director. Stephanie will be a rising junior at Spring Creek High School in the 2003-2004 school year. She received a $100 gift certificate to Berkeley Mall.

"Abstinence"

Abstinence should be used as the only choice in preventing teen pregnancy, for several reasons. Initially there are adverse emotional and physical effects that come from sex. unprotected or otherwise. Abstinence is one hundred percent effective in the prevention of pregnancy as well as Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs). Morally and ethically abstinence is the only option.

Sex can result in several emotional and physical changes and problems. Participating in physical intercourse could be a life-altering decision that many teenagers are not prepared to make before marriage. Sex leads to a need of companionship from the sex partner. Relationships are not always equal and one may find that although they are "in love" their partner is not. Rejection can lead to stress, anxiety, and even depression. Physical changes also occur after sex. Pregnancy is one example of a physical change, which will cause many inconveniences for a teen. Pregnant teenagers have a much higher risk of complications than older women because they haven't yet completed growing. The majority of teenagers, both male and female, are not ready for the responsibilities of being a parent.

Abstinence is one hundred percent effective and provides assurance that the teen will not get pregnant or contract a STD. No contraceptive is one hundred percent successful in the prevention of such things. Condoms frequently break or slip, while birth control pills need to be used regularly for their full effect. Sometimes no method of contraceptive is used because of absent-mindedness or lack of preparation, and this offers no guard against pregnancy or STDs.

Morally, abstinence before marriage is only appropriate. According to the Bible, sex out of wedlock is a sin. "It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honourable." (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4) Parents expect their children to be responsible and to save sex for marriage. One's own conscience should also tell a teenager that abstinence is best.

Because of the severe consequences of sex before marriage, both emotionally and physically, it is best to be abstinent. Abstinence for teenagers is the only one hundred percent effective choice against pregnancy. It is both morally and ethically justified by most parents, doctors, and God.