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8-Point Definition of Abstinence-Only Education As Defined By

Section 510(b) of Title V of the Social Security Act, P.L. 104-193

For the purposes of this section, the term "abstinence education" means an educational or motivational program which:

1. has as its exclusive purpose teaching the social, psychological, and health gains to be realized by abstaining from sexual activity;
2. teaches abstinence from sexual activity outside of marriage is the expected standard for all school-age children;
3. teaches that abstinence from sexual activity is the only certain way to avoid out-of-wedlock pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and other associated health problems;
4. teaches that a mutually faithful monogamous relationship in the context of marriage is the expected standard of sexual activity;
5. teaches that sexual activity outside the context of marriage is likely to have harmful psychological and physical side effects;
6. teaches that bearing children out-of-wedlock is likely to have harmful consequences for the child, the child's parents, and society;
7. teaches young people how to reject sexual advances and how alcohol and drug use increase vulnerability to sexual advances, and
8. teaches the importance of attaining self-sufficiency before engaging in sexual activity.