2005 Abstinence Essay Contest 2nd Place

Noelle Kelly, a 9th grader at Eastern Wayne High School is recognized by Jeffrey Kornegay, Board of Health co-chairperson (left) and Mr. James Roosen, Health Director (right). Noelle will be a rising sophomore at Eastern Wayne High School in the 2005-2006 school year.

She received a $50 gift certificate to Berkeley Mall, $5 gift certificate to McDonalds, a T-Shirt that says "I'm worth waiting for", and a certificate of Recognition for 2nd Place.

In today's society, teenagers are constantly faced with opposing views about sex and abstinence. Our parents, teachers, and religious leaders tell us that sex is something special you should share with only your husband or wife. They tell us that we should remain abstinent until we are married. On the other hand, music, movies, and television make sex seem like it is no big deal. Hardly anyone ever gets pregnant or gets a sexually transmitted disease in a song or movie that involves sex. So, who should we listen to? The answer to this question is very simple. Unlike the media, our parents and teachers truly care about us. They know that abstinence is the only sure way to prevent teen pregnancy.

There are many reasons why young teens should remain abstinent. Most importantly, the Bible clearly states that sex before marriage is wrong. "For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication"
( I Thessalonians 4:3). God takes sexual immorality very seriously. Those who refuse to abide by His word will have a terrible punishment, but those who ask far His forgiveness will receive mercy. "...he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy" (Micah 7:18). For Christians, this reason alone should be the basis for abstinence.

In addition to pregnancy, teenagers should remain abstinent to avoid sexually transmitted diseases. Every year, 3 million teens acquire one of these diseases. These diseases can ruin your life. The physical and emotional pain that comes along with the illness could prevent teens from having a normal life. Also, some sexually transmitted diseases, like Hepatitis B and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), are incurable. People with these diseases will be treated like outcasts for the rest of their lives, all because they had sex. Because of the required blood tests when people get married, the chances of getting a sexually transmitted disease is much smaller when you are married than when you are a teenager.

Teenagers are not emotionally or financially equipped to handle pregnancy. Having a baby requires many sacrifices, especially from the mother. Women who are pregnant have to eat differently, dress differently, and they cannot engage in some sports or physical activities. Having a baby can also cause stress for the parents. Trying to balance school, family, friends, and a baby is not an easy job. Financially, most teenagers could not handle having a baby. The estimated cost for a baby's first year is between $9,000 - $11,000. Without serious help from their parents or the government, teenagers would be overwhelmed with a baby. The task is even greater for single parents. Instead of the financial responsibilities being shared between two people, all of it rests upon one. This could create an unhealthy atmosphere for the parent and the baby. Having a baby could also prevent teenagers from pursuing future plans for their lives. Some may have to give up going to college because they have to take care of their baby. This does not seem fair, but unfortunately it happens to teenagers every day.

Some teenagers may think that if you use contraceptives, like birth control and condoms, then the risk of pregnancy is eliminated. Contrary to popular belief, this statement is simply false. The proper use of contraceptives only reduces the chances of becoming pregnant. The chance that a teenage girl will become pregnant while taking birth control is 4 percent, while the chance she will become pregnant while using a 9183 condom is 14 percent. These may seem like small numbers, but even with the use of contraceptives there is still a risk of pregnancy. All teenagers will have to ask themselves if they are willing to take that risk.

After reviewing a11 of the reasons why teenagers should remain abstinent until marriage, it does not really make sense why some teens would still consider having sex. When you really think about all of the consequences, sex is just not worth it. The teenage years are supposed to be the best of your life. Enjoy it! Do not risk the chance of becoming pregnant or contracting a sexually transmitted disease for one night of sex. Remember that sex is something special that you should only share with your spouse. Do not throw away this sacred bond by having sex with your boyfriend or girlfriend because you "love" each other. If it is truly meant to be, then it will happen. Give them something to look forward to.

In conclusion, abstinence is definitely the best choice for teenagers. It is the only way that you will be 100 percent sure that you are not pregnant. Abstinence will also save you from other struggles and inconveniences that could come from sex. Teenagers have
to understand that the time for sex will come, but right now we have to stay abstinent. Even though we may not see the advantages now, the benefits in the future are immeasurable.