Abstinence-Louisiana Governor's Program on Abstinence

Q:		I am abstinent; so I don�t see any need for the HPV vaccine. But if my future husband has been sexually active, it�s possible he could infect me. In that case, couldn�t he be tested for the virus before we are married? I figure that if he tests positive, only then would I get the vaccine. If he tests negative, then I won�t need the vaccine at all, right? --df
A:		Although, the HPV vaccine has been touted by many as the panacea for cervical cancer, there is currently some debate about possible adverse effects associated with it. It is understandable that you are in no hurry to get the vaccine. At first glance, it seems that your plan is a good one. A person may have HPV even if years have passed since he or she had sex. Unfortunately though, there is no FDA-approved test to detect HPV in men. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at least 50% of sexually active people will get genital HPV. On its website, the CDC counsels men that they needn�t worry about the lack of an HPV test: HPV is very common and most men with HPV will never develop health problems from it. Finding out if you have HPV is not as important as finding out if you have the diseases that it can cause. A bride�s opinion on the need for her intended husband to be tested may differ. Hopefully, an HPV test for men will be developed in the near future. Ideally, being in a mutually faithful relationship with someone who has had no sex partners is the best way to avoid infection from HPV, or any STD for that matter. The next best situation would be to delay engaging in sexual activity or be in a mutually faithful relationship with someone who has had only a few sex partners. If you eventually decide to get the vaccine, until further development and research; here are some other things you should know: 1. There are over 100 strains of HPV. The HPV vaccine protects against HPV types 6 and 11 which cause 90% of genital warts, and strains 16 and 18 which cause 70% off all cervical cancers. HPV vaccines have not been proven to provide complete protection against persistent infection with other HPV types, some of which cause cervical cancer. Therefore, about 30 percent of cervical cancers and 10 percent of genital warts will not be prevented by the vaccine. In addition, the vaccines do not prevent other sexually transmitted diseases, nor do they treat HPV infection or cervical cancer. Source: NCI 2. According to the FDA, the vaccine may help people who have one type of HPV from being infected with the other types. For example, if you have type 6, it may protect you from getting type 16. 3. According to the FDA, it is not known how long the protection from the vaccine lasts. A booster may be necessary after a couple of years. No matter what remedies are proposed, abstinence still remains the best defense against infection from all sexually transmitted disease. If we lived in a world in which everyone chose abstinence until marriage, life would be so much simpler. More on HPV --abstinencedu.com, 02.09.2008

Q:		Can HPV be transmitted with a kiss?--S.
A:		Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the name of a group of viruses that includes more than 100 different strains, more than 30 of which are sexually transmitted, some causing warts and some linked with cancer. (cdc.gov) Over 99.7% of all cervical cancer is known to be caused by HPV. HPV is the fastest spreading sexually transmitted disease. (Health Crisis Fact Sheet) According to the CDC, condoms do not protect against HPV; it is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact. (The Truth about Condoms and HPV) According to the National Cancer Institute, studies suggest that HPV may play a role in some cancers of the oropharynx (the middle part of the throat that includes the soft palate, the base of the tongue, and the tonsils). HPV type 16, which is associated with cervical cancer, appears to be the predominant type involved in head and neck cancers. (rrpwebsite.org) A recent Medical News Today article states that Dr. Maura Gillison of Johns Hopkins University, led a study published in May 2007 that suggested people who had oral sex with 5 or more partners during their lifetime had a much greater chance of having throat cancer and that the cause was most likely to be a well-known strain of HPV. Data collected on sexual history "suggest that oral HPV infection is sexually acquired�but we cannot rule out transmission through direct mouth-to-mouth contact or other means," said the authors of the study. (Cancer.gov) �Oral HPV is bad news, and kissing may spread it,� says Michael Green, MSW, LICSW. However, according to the authors of a study entitled Natural history of oral papillomavirus infections in spouses: a prospective Finnish HPV Family Study, �The natural history of genital human papillomavirus infection is well known, but nearly nothing is known about the outcome of oral HPV-infection.� At this time, there is no scientific evidence which proves that HPV can be transmitted with a kiss. Until further studies are conducted, we cannot be certain of the risk. --abstinenceud.com, 02.15.2008

Q:		Why is abstinence a healthy choice for teenagers?--S.
A:		Abstinence, defined as refraining from all sexual activity outside of marriage, is a healthy choice for teenagers because it leads to physical and emotional health, as well as, achievement. The teen years should be spent having fun, building friendships, discovering talents, and working toward goals. Sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, and the emotional distress associated with premature sexual intimacy are road blocks to personal development. Abstinence is the only standard of behavior that provides 100% protection against sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy. For a sexually active single person, it�s a scary world. About 1 in 4 people have a viral, incurable STD; and fifteen to twenty-four-year-olds account for nearly half of all new STDs. Consider also, that a single sexual encounter is not limited to that one partner. Assuming each person in the relationship has had the same number of partners, an individual who has had 10 sexual partners has been exposed to over 1,000 people! Don�t be fooled into thinking that there�s a band-aid solution in condoms or birth-control pills. According the 2001 NIH Report on Condom Effectiveness, there is no clinical evidence that condoms, even when used correctly and consistently, protect against Herpes, HPV, Chlamydia, Syphilis, and Trichomoniasis; and there still remains a 15% chance of contracting HIV with correct and consistent use of condoms. Furthermore, the failure rate of the pill for teen girls is 12.9%, meaning that 13 out of a hundred contracepting teen girls will be pregnant within 12 months. Research shows that teens who abstain from sex fair better in other ways as well. According to the Heritage Foundation, teens that are abstinent are less likely to be depressed and to attempt suicide. A 1991 study showed that the attempted suicide rate for sexually experienced girls between the ages of 12 and 16 is six times higher than for girls that age who are virgins. Furthermore, teens who abstain from sex during high school years are substantially less likely to be expelled from school; less likely to drop out of high school; and more likely to attend and graduate from college. According to Dr. Thomas Lickona, Director of the Center for the 4th and 5th Rs, other emotional dangers include regret, guilt, and loss of self-esteem. Take a look at these GPA PowerPoints on the topics of regret and loss of self -esteem: Interview with Jane, Worn Out. One more point, it�s never too late to choose abstinence. With every new day comes the opportunity to take a new stand. We call this renewed virginity. For more information, check out these resources: GPA Health Crisis Fact Sheet STD Surveillance 2006, Adolescents and Young Adults, CDC Sexual Exposure Chart Summary of the 2001 NIH Report on Condom Effectiveness Teenage Sexual Abstinence and Academic Achievement, the Heritage Foundation Contraceptive Fraud by Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse 10 Emotional Dangers of Premature Sexual Involvement by Dr. Tom Lickona

Q:		How can I get my school active in this wonderful program?--K.B.
A:		Please contact our GPA Office at 225-342-5818 and someone will assist you.--www.abstinencedu.com

Q:		What can I say to my 19-year-old stepdaughter who is living with her boyfriend? She says she might as well stay with him because if they break up she will just end up with some other guy. A lot of women give in to living with a guy or to being in a monogamous relationships outside of marriage to avoid having sex with a lot of different guys while just trying to date and meet people. Teenagers and young adults aren't the only ones with poor relationship and "refusal" skills. I am 53 and just learned that losing my virginity at sixteen when dating my boyfriend of 6 months, didn't make me permanently unworthy and of less value than virgins. This is a psychological trap that a lot of women get into. What can I say to my stepdaughter?--T.C.
A:		Thank you for your excellent question. For many couples who are dating exclusively, cohabitation is the next step in the relationship. Often, women see it as the precursor to marriage. Men often view living together as an arrangement that offers his mate the assurance that he is hers alone, and him, the perks he desires without the commitment. What can you say to your stepdaughter? For starters, she needs to know that she is valuable; that she doesn�t have to settle for living with a guy in order to avoid having sexual relationships with numerous others. Tell her that she doesn�t have to live her life according to societal expectations; but she should have higher expectations for herself. She only has to decide what she wants for her life, communicate her expectations to those close to her, and be confident in her choices. Wendy Shalit, in her book Girls Gone Mild, says, ��women are terrified to broach their real concerns with their lovers, whether the woman wants to get married or wants to avoid catching a deadly disease. It�s striking how deeply uncomfortable these women are with the men who share their beds.� You could also share with her what you have just realized in regards to your own experience. Every day comes with an opportunity to make new choices. In the GPA Curriculum this is referred to as renewed virginity. Regaining or claiming renewed virginity takes effort. If we build character, if we want to develop healthy personalities, we have to awaken our faculties and be conscious of the effort. As we strive to mature and strive to rebuild moral character, we can feel better about ourselves. Some things that she can do to facilitate the transition to abstinence are: � Try something new or work on improving her talents. � Avoid doing things which make her feel guilty. � Never unfairly compare herself with others. � Always be honest with herself and others. In her book, The Thrill of the Chaste, author Dawn Eden says of her own life, �My chances are better now than they�ve ever been, because before I was chaste, I was looking for love in all the wrong places. It�s only now that I�m truly ready for marriage and have a clear vision of the kind of man I want for my husband.� According to an excellent summary of empirical studies on the subject, Seven Reasons Why Living Together Before Marriage is Not a Good Idea, cohabitation does not produce healthier, happier relationships or marriages, but the contrary. Mature love is built on the security of knowing that your love is exclusive and permanent. According to research findings from The Heritage Foundation, cohabiting couples are also more likely to experience infidelity than married couples; and men in cohabiting households tend to have lower earnings than married men with families. There�s also the risk of transacting STDs to be considered. A single sexual encounter is not limited to that one person. This Sexual Exposure Chart demonstrates the number of people one is exposed to if every person has only the same number of partners. For more information on STDs read this summary of the CDC�s recently released STD Surveillance Report for 2006, the GPA Health Crisis Fact Sheet, and the Summary Chart of the 2001 NIH Report on Condom (In)Effectiveness. What about a child entering the picture? This chart shows surprising failure rates for various contraceptive methods broken down by relationship type, age, and broad income categories. With failure rates like these, the birth of a child into a non-committed relationship is very possible, and often not the best situation for the child or the mother. (See the negative effects of cohabitation on children in Seven Reasons Why Living Together Before Marriage is Not a Good Idea.) So why do so many adults continue in a cycle of sex without a marriage commitment, cohabitation, and failed relationships? According to Dr. Eric Keroack, MD, FACOG, this perpetual cycle of misery is due largely to the role of the hormone oxytocin. Released during sexual intercourse, oxytocin promotes bonding by reducing fear and anxiety and increasing trust and trustworthiness. Dr. Keroack�s explanation of the cycle: Emotional pain causes our bodies to produce an elevated level of endorphins which in turn lowers the level of oxytocin. Therefore, relationship failure leads to pain which leads to elevated endorphins which leads to lower oxytocin the result of which is a lower ability to bond. Many in this increased state of emotional pain and lower oxytocin seek sex as a substitute for love which inevitably leads to another failed relationship, and so, the cycle continues. There is hope for the weary broken heart, Dr. Keroack says, but it requires abstinence and lots of time for healing. You could ask her this basic question: Is this situation bringing out the best in her and others in her life? A cultural change is beginning to take place. For all these reasons and more, many young people today are deciding early on that abstinence is the standard of behavior that will bring about the best in life for them.

Q:		Is abortion murder?--b.w.
A:		With the practice of abstinence, abortion is not an issue. A search of the Merriam-Webster On-line Dictionary yields the following relevant definitions. Abortion: 1: the termination of a pregnancy after, accompanied by, resulting in, or closely followed by the death of the embryo or fetus : as b. induced expulsion of a human fetus Murder: 1: the crime of unlawfully killing a person especially with malice aforethought Person: 1: human, individual Embryo: �especially : the developing human individual from the time of implantation to the end of the eighth week after conception Fetus: �specifically: a developing human from usually two months after conception to birth According to the definitions, an embryo or fetus is a person because it is human and is an individual, never-to-be-repeated being. However, according to federal law, abortion is not a crime in the U.S. (See Roe v. Wade) One of our nation's most cherished symbols of liberty is the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Jefferson�s summary of "self-evident truths" tells us that all have the right to Life. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. Whether or not abortion is morally wrong depends upon one�s faith or system of belief. We recommend that you consult with a spiritual advisor from your faith or system of belief. Follow your heart and choose the right answer for mother and baby.

Q:		I work in an emergency room. Sometimes I have to call a teen to tell them they were properly treated for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia, but still need to be tested for HIV and other STDs. Also, the physician tells me to tell them that they need to use protection (what a joke!) and that their partners need to be treated. I need to know if what I tell them (statement to follow) is the best thing or is there something better. I've told the doctor that writes the note that protection doesn't work. He said he writes that because of what the American Public Health Association says to do. I tell my patients the following: "The doctor says to use protection, but I say the best protection is not to do it (sex) and your partners' partners and their partners probably need to be treated." What do you recommend? Thank you for this great program. Every chance I get, I write down the website and give it to a sexually active teen seen in the ER for STDs.--ER Nurse
A:		The only 100% protection against STDs and pregnancy is abstinence. By abstinence we mean no genital to genital or oral to genital contact. According to the Summary of the 2001 NIH Report on Condom Effectiveness (National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services), condoms provide an 85% reduction in HIV/AIDS transmission risk. That means there is still a 15% risk of infection. (Notably, more than 80% of all adult HIV infections throughout the world have been transmitted during heterosexual intercourse.) There is no clinical proof of condom effectiveness for Herpes, HPV, Trichomoniasis, or Chlamydia. (See chart on condom (in) effectiveness.) The summary reports a risk reduction for gonorrhea in men and no proof of protection for women from gonorrhea. Furthermore, no assessment for risk reduction from syphilis could be made. This Sexual Exposure Chart makes it clear, based on the number of sexual partners; to how many people an individual has been exposed. What you have been telling your patients is correct. Thank you for your work.--abstinencedu.com

Q:		I have had sex with the man I think I love. How am I going to tell him that I am going to get tested for a STD? What do I do? I love this man and we are going to spend the rest of our lives together.--c.l.
A:		Anyone who has a sexually active past is obligated to tell his/her partner before the sex occurs. Now, to address the issue at hand: Your dilemma is a result of taking the progress of your relationship out of its natural sequence. Do not try to imitate the intimacy of marriage in dating. Sexual activity is never a shortcut to a good relationship. On the contrary, it prevents the relationship from growing and developing normally. When people bypass the important steps in getting to know one another, then they are truly poor communicators and have stopped each other�s progress in life. (GPA Curriculum) You have already engaged in the most personal and private act there is with this man, yet you are uneasy about discussing the matter of testing with him. The fact that you don�t know how to tell him something that is so important to your well-being, as well as his, should be a red flag. The physical intimacy reserved for marriage should never precede the intimacy of friendship and the ability to communicate with one another. Real love, the kind that exists in a good marriage is evidenced by open and honest communication. Two people who have taken the time necessary to get to know each other and allowed their relationship to develop from friendship to a mature love necessary for a life-long commitment find it easier to discuss important matters because they have built up a trust before becoming physically intimate. You are doing the right thing by getting tested. But, today there are 25 major STDS and about one in four Americans is infected. (Abstinencedu.com) If you are going to get tested, you should get tested for all STDs. STD infection facilitates the spread of other STDs. For a list of STDs go to cdc.gov. Chances are, if you are infected with one STD, you are infected with more than one. Anyone who tests positive for STD infection is obligated to inform all partners, past and present, of possible infection. You can start anew. Save the sex for marriage. Work on being friends first. Focus on communication and trust.

Q:		I'm going to have sex with my girlfriend on prom night, but I'm too nervous to buy condoms. I can't get infected if we are both virgins right?--Chris
A:		Technically you are correct. However, the term �virgin� is used loosely by some. For example, someone who has had genital to genital or oral to genital contact without intercourse might consider himself or herself a virgin. However, it is possible for STDs such as HPV and herpes to be transmitted in sexual contact that does not include intercourse. In addition, it would be in your best interest to consider that not everyone is honest about their sexual past. Being too nervous to buy condoms should be a signal that your plan is not the best thing for you and your girlfriend. What about the risk of pregnancy? Think about how nervous you would be to tell your parents and her parents that she is pregnant. Not to mention the 18-year responsibility of raising and providing for a child. That being said, we are not advising that you �get brave� and buy condoms. There is no clinical proof of the effectiveness of condoms to protect against HPV, Chlamydia, Trichomoniasis, and Herpes, and only a risk reduction for HIV and Gonorrhea. (2001 NIH Report on Condom Ineffectiveness) Even if you were to use a condom, remember that condoms won�t protect your heart. Teen sexual activity has negative emotional and psychological consequences as well, with increased risks of depression and suicide occurring in sexually active teens. Remember, this is your prom night, not your wedding night. Save the sex for that first night with your bride. (If you ask your parents and teachers, you�ll find that very few of them ended up marrying their prom date.) For avoiding pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease, only an abstinent lifestyle can provide a 100% guarantee. --abstinencedu.com

Q:		Don't you believe that abstinence is a personal choice, not something to be influenced politically? What I mean to say is that, in order for this campaign to be democratic, some other governor should have a site with a program on sexuality and its benefits.--Andreea
A:		During the Clinton Administration, representatives of the people voted to set aside funds for abstinence-only education. Congress enacted the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (Welfare Reform) which featured an education program on abstinence (no sex outside of marriage). The purpose of the program is to reduce out-of-wedlock births and sexually transmitted diseases (STD's). An authorization of $50 million per year for five years is being issued to states through block grants to implement abstinence education programs. Yes, to be abstinent is a personal choice. The GPA offers clubs and a curriculum which are available to all schools. Club membership is voluntary and parents can �opt-out� their children from curriculum instruction. The program is not influenced by politics. In fact, Republican Governor Mike Foster endorsed the Abstinence Education Program and concept for Louisiana in 1998 and it continues today as the Governor's Program on Abstinence under Democratic Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco. The existence of abstinence-only education programs does not preclude other governors� or anyone else from establishing a website which promotes the issues you mention. However, most would agree that it would be difficult for a Governor or anyone in a leadership position to promote an unhealthy (and sometimes life-threatening) practice such as �safe sex�.--abstinencedu.com

Q:		How can I help to establish a stronger GPA CLUB and make others want to come to the meetings?--M. Thomas
A:		To answer your question, we polled some of our faculty sponsors and regional directors. Here are their suggestions: � Work with your faculty sponsor to recruit committed officers with a strong desire to make a difference in your school. � Ask your regional director to find speakers for your monthly club meetings. � Have your officers attend each of the four GPA statewide events throughout the year. The most important of these is the Summer Leadership Camp. Besides being fun, this is where officers learn everything they need to know to build a strong club. Fall Regional Conference gives you another opportunity to show off GPA to other students. Winter Legislative Caucus and Spring State Convention are also good ways to introduce others to the excitement that GPA has to offer. � The four club projects that can be held on your school campus will also help to raise interest in your club. Orientation Day and Recruitment Day are specifically designed to generate membership. STD Awareness Day and Abstinence Appreciation Day activities raise awareness of why there is a need for a GPA Club on campus and why students should take up the abstinence cause. The Club Handbook has lots of suggestions for all four of the projects. Your regional director can help you and your sponsor with more club-building ideas. Check out our website for additional ideas. Please feel free to contact me through the GPA office in Baton Rouge if I can be of any assistance. �Susan Rabb, GPA Club Facilitator

Q:		Is there any way possible to become pregnant without actually having intercourse?
A:		One other method of achieving pregnancy besides intercourse is called in vitro fertilization. This is a method of assisted reproduction that involves surgically removing an egg from the ovary (by ultrasound-guided retrieval) after ovulation induction, combining it with sperm in a Petri dish and, after fertilization, replacing the resulting embryo(s) in the woman's uterus. There is also some debate about whether pregnancy can occur from semen that comes into contact with the female genital area, though we can find no research to prove or disprove this possibility. For avoiding pregnancy (and sexually transmitted disease), only an abstinent lifestyle can provide a 100% guarantee.--abstinencedu.com

Q:		Did you know that abstinence doesn't work?--Rick
A:		No, we know that it DOES work. It is the ONLY, 100% guaranteed method for preventing sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy. "We don't need a study, if I remember my biology correctly, to show us that those people who are sexually abstinent have a zero chance of becoming pregnant or getting someone pregnant or contracting a sexually transmitted disease."--Wade Horn, PH.D, Assistant Secretary for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Do we know that some individuals are not willing to give up sex in exchange for this 100% guarantee? Yes.--abstinencedu.com

Q:		What is the best way to tell my girl friend that I just gave her an STD?--R.G.
A:		The best way is to tell her is WITHOUT DELAY so that she can get medical treatment and perhaps, depending on what STD you have given her, lessen the damage done. For more information on STDs and the ineffectiveness of condoms to protect against them, go to the GPA Health Crisis Fact Sheet and the Chart on Condom Ineffectiveness.--abstinencedu.com

Q:		I am a member of the GPA Club at Kentwood High School. I am wondering how it is that I give other people good advice about sex, but when it comes to myself, I seem to give the wrong advice. Can you help me with this situation? --D.M.
A:		First, remember a new beginning is always possible! Second, when you need abstinence-related advice, talk to a parent or your GPA Club faculty sponsor. Your fellow GPA Club members are your peer support group, you may want to consider hanging out only with them. Also, ask your sponsor to help by providing the helpful lessons from the GPA Curriculum. As always, if you have a specific question, you may submit it here and we will be happy to give you guidance. -abstinencedu.com

Q:		I am a graduate student in Public Health (and an-ex teacher in La). I ABSOLUTELY support Governor Blanco and this website. You guys are awesome. I am currently being harrassed by one of my professors because of my support for abstinence-only programs, WHICH WORK!! Interestingly enough, she brags about handing out condoms to kids in her neighborhood - (condoms which undoubtably ended up on my car, the teachers' lounge, and classroom floor filled as water balloons) So, I guess she was right. The students did use them. Thanks so much for this website. Please let me know if there is anything I can do from New Orleans. It would be an honor. --Best Regards, Toni Marie Jones
A:		Thank you for your interest and support! We will contact you for an upcoming GPA Curiculum Certification Training to be held in your area in the not too distant future. Individuals who become certified to teach our curriculum may volunteer to teach abstinence-only education to middle school students, become a community sponsor for high school GPA Clubs, and assist at state-wide events for students. Please sign up for our weekly e-newsletter at www.abstinencedu.com. To contact any one in the GPA State Office or a GPA representative in your area, go to our key contacts page or phone: 225.342.5818. Abstinencedu.com

Q:		What is the one reason that teens have sex in high school, and what is the percentage rate of teens that wait to have sex �til they�re married?
A:		You ask a question that is very difficult to answer with only one reason. But after putting your question to our student leaders, the most prevalent response is acceptance. Caitlyn Turner, age 18 said, "The biggest reason I saw in high school for teens having sex was the desire to feel accepted. I know we have heard it and said it a thousand times that teens, especially girls, have sex to be accepted, but it is the truest statement. The girl is often insecure and she feels that by engaging in sex, the boy and that "special moment" will fill her void of insecurities, but often times it leads to more hurt than before."--(11-06-06) As for the second part of your question, in the decade or so that true "abstinence-only" programs have grown in popularity, the percentage of teens who say they have had sex by the time they leave high school has fallen from 56 to 48 percent. Hertitage.org

Q:		What is the percentage rate of teens that wait to have sex �til they�re married and what is the one reason that teens have sex in high school?--Aaron
A:		In the decade or so that true "abstinence-only" programs have grown in popularity, the percentage of teens who say they have had sex by the time they leave high school has fallen from 56 to 48 percent. Heritage.org As for the second part of your question, that is difficult to answer with only one reason. �For acceptance� is the consensus of our student leadership team. Caitlyn Turner, age 18, sums it up: The biggest reason I saw in high school for teens having sex was the desire to feel accepted. This is especially true for girls. The girl is often insecure and feels that by engaging in sex, the boy and that "special moment" will fill her void of insecurities, but often times it leads to more hurt than before. According to GPA Regional Director and high school health and physical education teacher, Carol Fontenot, the answer is a complicated one and more than likely, a combination of several factors: 1. Breakdown of the family and a loss of respect for marriage by many. � The American dream of marriage and family life doesn't seem realistic any more. So many are living in single-parent households. These kids don�t know what a healthy, happy family-life and marriage is. Many of these parents spend very little time with the adolescent and may have a �live-in� or openly sleeps around. The adult feels hopeless and doesn't have the self-discipline and/or parenting skills to do better. Many of these kids are raising themselves and may be living at the poverty level. They feel hopeless. � Wholesome family time and positive role models don't exist for the majority of adolescents today. Teens no longer want to please their parents because there is a lack of respect in the household. � Children are viewed as problems or mistakes. They are not cherished or valued in the family. � Teens and parents are not communicating. When they do speak the conversation often ends in an argument. � Many girls lack the protective and loving father figure in their lives. They are seeking this important male bonding in adolescent males through sex. As the old song says "They are looking for love in all the wrong places", trying to fill this void with sex...it doesn't work. When sex does not fill the emptiness, naively a girl thinks he just wasn't the right guy and turns to someone else. Having a steady boyfriend with whom she is sexually active in order to hang on to him becomes a habit that later leads to a life of unhappiness and failed relationships. 2. Cultural influences - � Naively, a lot of kids are modeling their lives on media influences. Their role models become TV (The Real World/ MTV / BET), the Internet, pornography, music lyrics, videos, etc. They think this is what "cool teens" are supposed to be doing during adolescence because it seems that everyone else is doing these things and they want to fit in. They are living in the moment, because at the time it seems fun and exciting. The result is a NO FEAR-NO FUTURE generation. They think they are invincible. With no guidance from home and lacking maturity, they fail to see the value of setting goals and working to achieve dreams. � Many of the older males in the families encourage the younger males to drink, use drugs, and be sexually active as long as they use "protection". This older generation of males is ignorant of the STD epidemic and does not realize the dangers to which they are exposing the youth they influence. Because these are their only male role models, they assume this is what MEN are supposed to do. � For some males, sex is an escape from problems. Sex is the only "pleasure" they have because it is free and easy to get. They make no emotional connection between sex, love, and commitment, hence the popular saying, "Who your baby Daddy?" As a result of these influences, teens may: 1. Develop low self-esteem 2. Develop a feeling of hopelessness 3. Turn to alcohol and drug use. 4. Become sexually active.

Q:		My friend thinks you�re stupid. He's 12 and has had every kind of sex in the book. What should I tell him?
A:		Some of those already infected with an STD do not think we are stupid. In fact, some HIV-positive people deliberately choose sexual abstinence. That group includes eleven percent of gay or bisexual men, 18 percent of heterosexual men, and 18 percent of women being treated for the virus that causes AIDS. GPA Newsletter Your friend should get tested immediately! One in four Americans has at least one STD. GPA Fact Sheet Nearly half of all STD cases occur in 15-24 yr. olds. That�s nearly 10 million cases! GPA Newsletter Except in marriage with a person who is uninfected, ALL forms of sexual activity are risky. If he is involved in sexual relationships with multiple partners, he is at even greater risk. For more information on STDs, go to CDC.gov. Abstinencedu.com

Q:		If a parent has an STD what are the chances that a baby will get it?
A:		One in four Americans is infected with a STD and there are approximately 19 million new cases of STDs each year in the United States. Females who are infected with STDs during pregnancy place their baby at risk of infection with STDs because most STDs are transmitted from the pregnant mother to the baby. STDs which are passed from the mother to her developing baby can cause a variety of problems for the baby such as eye infections, blindness, poor eye development, cataracts, glaucoma, warts in the throat, pneumonia, heart inflammation, kidney inflammation, hepatitis, anemia, premature birth, low birth weight, jaundice, herpes blisters, hydrocephaly (fluid on the brain), meningitis, developmental delays, HIV and can cause the death of the baby before birth. Additionally, sexually active females who become infected with STDs can become infertile and therefore unable to naturally become pregnant and they can develop pregnancies outside of the uterus (such as tubal pregnancies). Dee Burbank, MD, MPH Louisiana GPA Medical Advisor

Q:		If abstinence is the right choice, why do students in particular shy away from it?
A:		It is our experience that more and more students are embracing an abstinent lifestyle. GPA just completed three summer leadership camps where 300 students participated. Not only do they NOT shy away from abstinence, they also want to bring the abstinence message back to their peers and to their communities. Go to "In Your Own Words" on the GPA website to read testimonials of youth who have chosen abstinence. Here�s a sample of what you will find there: I am waiting, because I am worth it. --Lindsay (6-24-06) �I have to rise to this challenge and show people that my generation, myself included, is strong enough to withstand the pressure of society. --Garrett Greene, - Senior, South Beauregard High School (3-17-06) The abstinence message promotes all the aspects of a healthy and prosperous teenage life--a life that every teen in Louisiana, in the United States, and in the world deserves; a life of self-respect and strong relationships. Abstinence provides freedom from disease. If you aren�t sexually active, STDs are the last thing you�ve got to worry about.�Lance Frank, sophomore, Le Grange High School (3-3-06) When the GPA Club was introduced to our school neither the principal nor teachers believed students would ever listen to its message. Now, not only have they listened, but they have committed their lives to it by grabbing hold of the truth and refusing to let go. Our school�s spirit has changed into the majority thinking that it is �cool� to be abstinent. Our community has supported our local GPA Club with both monetary and moral support. --Nadia Hashimi, Junior, Franklinton High (1-21-06) For those that do shy away, there could be many reasons. Perhaps, they are not getting the support of the adults in their life. Perhaps, they are not getting the information about the physical, emotional, social, and economic consequences of sex outside of marriage. Perhaps, they think having sex outside of marriage is expected of them. Perhaps, they don�t understand the difference between infatuation, or lust, and real love. Perhaps, they have not been taught to communicate their feelings. Perhaps, they don�t know how to resist peer pressure. Perhaps, they never considered that they should set boundaries for themselves BEFORE they encounter a moment of weakness. Perhaps, they have been exposed to pornography or lyrics that influence them to accept sex as recreational. Perhaps, they have set no goals for themselves and their lives are empty of purpose. Perhaps, they believe that once they have had a sexual relationship, it�s too late to begin an abstinent lifestyle. All of these issues are addressed in the GPA Curriculum.�Dona Sunseri, GPA Website

Q:		*I have always been told that sex was only right inside of marriage, and that is what I believe. But is it only* alright if you are trying to have children?--Lindsay**
A:		Sex is best inside of marriage because it is designed for babies *and* bonding. Sex within marriage helps to bring forth children and it bonds a couple together to help form a stable environment for a family. (That is one of the reasons we advise to wait until marriage. Why bond yourself to someone when you might not spend the rest of your life with them?) One explanation for this bonding is oxytocin, a mammalian hormone that also acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain. It is sometimes referred to as emotional glue. According to Dr. Eric Keroack, MD, FACOG oxytocin is released during�hugs, �trust� encounters, and sexual intercourse. It promotes bonding by increasing trust and trustworthiness and reducing stress and pain. GPA Newsletter, v6,i35 Sometimes even when we are married, we may not be ready or able to have children. For example, suppose a wife has a health issue and is taking some serious medications that might harm a child should she become pregnant. Using a method called natural family planning (NFP) a couple can determine when her body is ready to get pregnant and when her body is not ready to get pregnant. Abstaining during the fertile times while having sex only during the non-fertile time, will allow a husband and wife to prevent pregnancy. At this time in their lives, this might be the best thing for the family. Later on, she might stop taking the medication and be ready to start a family. So as you can see, every act of sex within marriage does not have to bring forth children. I would like to offer a caution. Wide use of contraceptives has moved from helping women and couples in health issues to allowing much of society to seek sex purely for pleasure. The pleasure is part of the bonding. It is *supposed* to feel good. However, if we are *only* seeking pleasure out of sex with our spouse then one of the spouses can begin to feel used. That can push the couple apart. The last thing a husband or wife wants is for the person they love the most in the world to feel used. For more information on NFP do a Google search for "Natural Family Planning." Warren L. Dazzio Legatus International

Q:		I am a seventeen year old virgin, and believe me, I am proud of it. However, most of my family seems to think that once a person reaches a certain age, they should not follow the abstinence message anymore. I am the only person in my family who has ever had plans to wait and have sex when I am married. I even have one family member who thinks that I should not wait until I am married so I can have "experience". What do I tell them when they tell me this stuff, even when they know how I feel on the subject?
A:		My first thought is "You are an amazing young woman and I want to affirm you in your decision to remain abstinent. You have every reason to be proud that you are a virgin. The most important thing here is that you are choosing the best road and you know it. You are called to carry the message but not the person. This means that you only have to share the facts and let your life be an example of living the abstinence message. There are probably many reasons for your family's response to your choices; some of which you may never know. Your job is to love them where they are while standing firm in your decision. You cannot change anyone but yourself. The only thing you should tell them are the facts, statistics, and information that you have learned personally from the abstinence program; nothing more, nothing less. Time will prove that the road you have traveled is one that will bring life. I would also encourage you to surround yourself with peers who believe in the message so that you always have support. Sally Dubroc GPA Curriculum Coordinator

Q:		*This weekend I was talking with my friends and someone said that you are not a virgin if you have any* form of sexual contact. How far can you go with a person and still consider yourself a virgin?**
A:		In the strictest sense, virginity refers to not ever having had sexual intercourse. Yet we teach that one can "regain" his virginity by renewing his commitment to abstinence. Once having made the commitment, abstinence is having no sexual relations until marriage. According to the GPA curriculum, this includes all sexual contact... oral, anal, and genital; petting, fondling, and exposing private parts . Our focus should not be on the definition of virginity (we might be misunderstood as seeking a �loop hole�). Even if one were to concede that the persons involved would still technically be virgin, the point is, they are not abstinent. Virginity is a quality resulting from abstinence. If one is seeking an abstinent lifestyle the question is really pointless. Dona Sunseri GPA Regional Director Virginity is about purity. Is this a behavior of purity? I think not. At one time, someone was considered a virgin if she/he had never had sex - sexual intercourse, oral sex, etc. But today there are so many other sexual actions that people are engaging in that it makes it difficult to just take a stand on the "intercourse" reasoning. There are also emotional consequences to this behavior. Most girls will say they feel "guilty and used" afterward. Some boys use these types of experiences to go back and brag to their friends about what the girl allowed them to do. The girl gets a reputation of being "easy". Some boys will ask her out just to see what they can get from her too. What does this do for her self-esteem? Remember, it is really a big mistake to allow someone to touch you in any of the private areas....most girls regret it! Carol Fontenot GPA Regional Director The following are dictionary definitions of the words virgin and virginity. 1. A person who has not experienced sexual intercourse. 2. A chaste or unmarried woman; a maiden. 3. Being in a pure or natural state 4. The quality or condition of being a virgin 5. The state of being pure, unsullied, or untouched. I think it is obvious that all petting or fondling acts are impure, outside of marriage. We also know that STDs can be transmitted by skin to skin contact and do not require the exchange of body fluids. Therefore such activities are extremely dangerous Terrell Reed GPA Curriculum Coordinator

Q:		I am a member of my school's G.P.A. chapter and so many people tease and pick on people (mainly males) who decide to stay 'pure' until their married. Is there any advice that you can give those whose spirits are low due to peer pressure?
A:		Most teens respect the person who has the courage to say no, even if they do not voice their support. The ones that tease you�secretly wish they had also said no. Remember that every great person in history, even though he/she conformed to many rules, had the ability to stand up for his /her own values, even against great pressure. When you don�t give in to negative peer pressure� � you gain a new level of self-acceptance � you feel better about yourself � your opportunities will not be limited (by pregnancy, health problems, jail terms, etc.) � you are free to be yourself � you are free to be creative and discover your talents � you are free to pursue your goals in life without hassle or bother � you gain friends and support in your various pursuits Talk to your club president about doing more on campus to raise awareness of the STD epidemic and the emotional consequences of sex outside of marriage. Above all, don�t let go of your conviction. Choosing abstinence will bring a huge payoff in economic security, health, emotional well-being and marital happiness. Dona Sunseri GPA Regional Director

Q:		I was led to your website after reading the current issue of The Nation. Out of curiosity i ran the percentages of STD's that you post under your "Stats and Figures" webpage. Is it true that in each and every parish in the state, 24.04 percent of its citizens have an STD. Where did you obtain this data? At first i thought i was doing the math wrong. Is this a statistical anomaly? thanks john quinn
A:		According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in four Americans is infected with a Sexually Transmitted Disease. This current rate of disease contrasts with the Sexually Transmitted Disease rate of 1 in 300 Americans noted approximately 30 years ago. CDC and other epidemiologic resources monitor disease rates by varied methods related to the nature of the disease and other factors. For example, during "Flu" Season every individual who is infected with the disease does not go to their medical provider nor report their diesase to medical officials. Therefore, the rate of "Flu" infection and the number of cases of "Flu" is not derived from an actual count of each individual with the "Flu" but via epidemiologic surveillance methods routinely employed by public health agencies and medical reseachers. The GPA Summer 2000 Information Sheet which you referenced in your inquiry is derived from the clinical epidemiologic resources footnoted on the information sheet and, as indicated, notes an estimate of the population of each Louisiana Parish (County)from census data, an extrapolation of that year's population who were infected with STD's per parish based on historic national population estimates and STD estimates in each parish in Louisiana extrapolated from the national rate of new cases of STDs (one in four Americans). The STD data on the GPA Information Sheet notes an extrapolation the STD rates based on the national STD rate of 1 in 4 and the population estimates in each parish of the state. Dee Burbank, MD, MPH Louisiana GPA Medical Advisor

Q:		Do you have any information to share with parents regarding the danger of oral sex?
A:		Far from being considered a mere innocent means of showing affection or of �having fun,� oral sex poses a serious health risk of which parents should be aware. Although endorsed by some celebrities as an alternative to sexual intercourse which has the added advantage of avoiding the risk of pregnancy, oral sex is sex because sexual contact with the genitals occurs. Therefore, oral sex is a means of transmitting sexually transmitted diseases (STD�s). In recent years, many middle schoolers and teens have sought to satisfy their sexual curiosity by engaging in oral sex with multiple partners thinking that there is no risk of negative consequences. However, current STD rates are at epidemic proportions, with one in four Americans having a STD. About two-thirds of the new cases of STD�s occur in the age group 15-24 years of age due primarily to the fact that they have multiple sexual partners. STD�s such as Syphilis, HIV, Herpes Simplex Virus I or HSV I (which causes oral �cold sores� as well as genital lesions), Herpes Simplex Virus II or HSV II (which causes genital lesions) and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) are all transmitted via oral sex. At the present time, one in five Americans are infected with genital Herpes Simplex Virus. Infections caused by HIV, HSV and HPV are incurable. To make matters worse, the oral and genital lesions caused by some other STD�s can increase the risk of the infected individual developing HIV infection as well. In addition to placing individuals at risk of developing STD�s, oral sex will also place individuals at risk of developing several types of cancers secondary to the STD�s. Furthermore, individuals whose initial intent was to only engage in oral-genital sexually activity during a particular sexual encounter, oftimes progress to genital sexual activity during the course of the encounter, placing them at risk of pregnancy as well STD�s. And let�s not forget that teen sexual activity has negative emotional and psychological consequences as well, with increased risks of depression and suicide occurring in sexually active teens. Dee Burbank, MD, MPH Louisiana GPA Medical Advisor

Q:		How can you prevent HIV/AIDS?
A:		The number of cases of HIV/AIDS has reached pandemic proportions since the disease was identified less than a generation ago. Globally there are 40 million people living with HIV/AIDS, with 5 million new infections and 3 million deaths due to HIV/AIDS noted in 2003. As of 2000, there were 21.8 million cumulative deaths due to HIV/AIDS worldwide. In the United States there are approximately 950,000 persons who have HIV and, of that number, 300,000 do not know that they have the disease. In 2002, 14, 095 persons died from HIV/AIDS in the USA. Furthermore, individuals who are infected with other STDs have greater susceptibility to HIV and individuals with HIV plus other STDs have a greater chance of transmitting HIV to their sexual partners that those infected with HIV alone. Human Immunodeficiency Virus is transmitted by genital, anal and/or oral sexual contact with an individual who is infected with HIV, by sharing needles and/or syringes which have been contaminated with HIV, by receiving HIV contaminated blood or blood clotting factors, from needle sticks with needles contaminated with HIV and HIV can be transmitted from a HIV infected mother to her child during pregnancy, labor and delivery and breastfeeding. Many sources indicate premarital abstinence and marital fidelity is the only 100% safe way to prevent the transmission of HIV/AIDS by sexual transmission (as well as other STDs). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, �The surest way to avoid transmission of sexually transmitted diseases is to abstain from sexual intercourse or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and you know is uninfected. � Condom use cannot guarantee protection against any STD.� In 2000, under the leadership of the National Institute of Health and CDC, a comprehensive scientific review of condom effectiveness was conducted. The Researchers found that condoms, if consistently and correctly used each time, provided a 85% risk reduction against the transmission of HIV. This finding notes two key issues-that HIV infection risk reduction was related to consistent and correct condom usage and that condoms do not provide 100% protection against the transmission of HIV. Even studies that were conducted with adult sexual partners of individuals with HIV demonstrated a consistent and correct condom utilizations rate of only 56%. Furthermore, studies of brain development indicate that the area of the brain which is responsible for impulse control, anticipation of future consequences, judgment, planning, goal-setting and prioritizing, brain functions which would be necessary for the critical decision making involved in such endeavors as �consistent and correct condom usage,� is not fully developed until individuals reach their late teens or early 20�s. With regards to non-sexual transmission of HIV/AIDS, judicious laboratory screening techniques can reduce the transmission of HIV/AIDS via blood products. Avoidance of needle/syringe sharing can prevent the transmission of HIV/AIDS from sharing needles and /or syringes. Prenatal and perinatal treatment of HIV/AIDS infected mothers can reduce the transmission of the disease to their babies. The use of Universal Precautions can reduce the risk of transmission of HIV/AIDS to Healthcare Workers and to household contacts (family members) of individuals infected with HIV/AIDS. And Healthcare Workers should seek treatment in the event of accidental needle stick in order to reduce their risk of developing HIV/AIDS. Dee Burbank, MD, MPH Louisiana GPA Medical Advisor

Q:		I have a question: What if a person never gets married? What if you never have sex because you're waiting for marriage, and then you turn 30, 35, 40, 45....and nobody ever wants to marry you?
A:		Thank you for your genuine, heartfelt question. To set you at ease, many people wonder the same thing, both guys and girls. Here are a few thoughts to consider. First, Enjoy being a single young person. Marriage and a family brings a lot of responsibilities that tie a person down. As a single person, you should appreciate the fact that you can do many things a married person cannot do. Have fun and learn to build wholesome relationships that cause you to treat men and women as brothers and sisters. Singleness brings opportunities in life that may never come around again. Enjoy them while you can. Secondly, sex is not the most important thing in life. Nor the best thing in life. Live your life and don't worry about finding a spouse. You have to grow, develop and learn to be comfortable by yourself before you can contribute to a relationship. Love is other-centered, not self-centered. Getting your self in order, helps you to be able to focus on another. Build yourself up by developing your character in a positive way, by practicing patience, and by striving for purity in all you do. Patience is tough and so is purity. Developing basic life skills (e.g., cooking, child care, home-repair tasks, vocational training) can further prepare you for building your own household some day. Finding the right life partner is a matter of working to become the right life partner. Sex is only a tiny part of a beautiful marriage relationship. A whole lot more goes into a marriage relationship. Lastly, realize it takes a whole lot of people to make the world go round. Everyone is not meant to be married. Most will be. Make your place in this world. You can be happy and make a difference in the world regardless of whether you are single or married. It's far better to be happy and single than divorced or married and unhappy. Take your time. Don't rush things. Warren Dazzio Marriage and Family Counselor Baton Rouge, LA

Q:		Does the Louisiana GPA have a creed?
A:		The goal of the GPA is to reduce out of wedlock teen pregnancy and the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases by promoting abstinence until marriage. For more information, such as our definition of abstinence, see the information in the LaGPA section of our site. One of the first projects of the college division of the GPA in the next school year will be to design a GPA mission statement in the students' own words. AbstinencEdu.com

Q:		How can you tell if a guy has a sexually transmitted disease? I'm a virgin and plan to stay that way, but I don't want to date or be around a guy who is infected with a sexually transmitted disease. Are there any signs I should be aware of? -- Nameless, Tampa, Fla.
A:		Outward appearances are unlikely to give any indication that someone has an STD. Most infected people look healthy and many aren't even aware they're infected, increasing the chance that they'll spread their contagion to others. Since you intend to remain a virgin, you needn't worry. Sexual abstinence is the one way to be 100 percent safe from sexually transmitted diseases. Dr. Robert Wallace, columnist, Holland Sentinel Features, 02-24-05

Q:		Is there any way to cure genital warts? Or is there any way to supress outbreaks? How do I get rid of current outbreaks? How easily does this spread?
A:		Genital Warts are caused by infection with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). HPV is the leading cause of STD�s in the United States and is responsible for 5.5 million new cases each year. In most instances HPV infection is subclinical (manifests no symptoms); however, these individuals are still contagious and can spread the infection to others. There are 100 strains of HPV. Several strains cause genital warts but high risk strains cause cancer of the vulva, vagina, cervix, anus and penis and are associated with cancers in other organs such as the throat, esophagus and prostate. Human Papilloma Virus Infection and therefore, Genital Warts has no cure. There are treatments available for Genital Warts via an extended series of applications of creams or solutions (Aldada, Condylox, TCA, etc.), or via freezing the Genital Warts (Cryotherapy), or via surgical methods to burn (Laser or Electrocautery) or to excise (cut away) the genital warts. Genital Wart treatment method selection relates to such factors as the size of the warts, the