In reply to Rick's Smith letter on Nov. 5, "Abstinence may be the best sex education." The "Make a sound choice program" makes some great points. Once a person gets to the french kissing stage, a person loses a certain amount of control regarding their behavior. They stop caring about who they are with and what they are probably going to do. All the information about condoms is going to be a forgotten thought at that moment, sex will probably occur with or without a condom.
Most people, both teenagers and adults, know about condoms, yet we see abortions and STDs abounding in this country.
Cervical cancer and prostate cancer has a higher incidence rate in people with multiple partners. There, too, a condom can help, but our human nature as it is believes this "one" time won't hurt. Then over the years, one time becomes many times. Teenagers become adults and continue the pattern that has been established at a young age.
If abstinence is included in sex education, all young people could be held up to the standard or idea that you don't have to do it. Some young people are told all about birth control, but nothing about the consequences of early sex. To have a real choice, all the information needs to be on the table.
Evy Newgard
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Hendrum, Minn.
