Comprehensive sex education differs from abstinence-only sex education in the way it approaches certain values. Abstinence-only sex education teaches that there is just one set of correct moral values, whereas comprehensive sex education accepts that students may hold different and varying moral values that may or may not align with those of their other family members or peers.
While some critics of comprehensive sex education believe that it promotes sexual activity, evidence suggests that this approach actually delays the onset of sexual activity, reduces the number of sexual partners and frequency of sexual encounters that an individual, and increases the use of contraceptives. In addition, teens aged 15 to 19 who receive comprehensive sex education are 50 percent less likely to experience pregnancy. Many advocates believe that this is because comprehensive sex education provides all the facts about key issues, leading teens to make better, more responsible choices regarding their sexual behavior and health.
Comprehensive sex education is supported by 80% of adult Americans as well as many key medical organizations including the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Public Health Association.