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In the case of abstinence vs. promoting condom use, according to the Catholics for Free Choice poster campaign “Abstinence has a high failure rate”, and depicted on the poster are two individuals in a dimly lit room being surprised by spotlight focused on them, in the context of sexual health, abstinence is defined as refraining completely from sexual activity, however many persons have their own personal definition as it relates to abstinence, for some people, abstinence means having no sexual contact with a partner. For others, abstinence means having no genital contact with a partner, for another it may mean no vaginal penetration, while the church opts for no sex until marriage.
Because of the ambiguity of persons perspective it is important from the standpoint of The Rap Port TCI to address this, as a group that tackles the general population of youth it cannot simply preach abstinence alone but also the group needs to address the consistent use of male and female condoms for persons that are sexually active or thinking about engaging in sexual activities, therefore the peer educators of this group must be equipped with factual information in addressing condom use as a means of preventing the transmittance of HIV/STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) and unwanted pregnancies. According to statistics HIV and STI transmission has been on the rise here in the TCI for the year 2008, this therefore proves persons are having unprotected sex or not using and caring for their methods of protection (Dental Dams, Male & Female condoms) properly.
A more realistic approach must be taken, which means equipping young persons with facts that will assist them in making informed choices, present them with the options because in the heat of the moment they will be the ones making the decision and not the parent. In light of this parents must also be aware of different practices and must be prepared and willing to address it with their child.
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