Having shown that teens can learn to delay intercourse, use condoms, and have fewer sex partners, scientists must also prove that this behavior will lead to fewer cases of unwanted births and disease. In 1996 ETR and the University of California at Berkeley were evaluating Education Now and Babies Later (ENABL). This statewide program, begun in 1992 by the California Department of Health Services, included Postponing Sexual Involvement, a sex education program for 12- to 14-year-olds, and a media and public relations campaign. Researchers are comparing the behaviors of students in that age group, who were exposed to the sex education or media campaign with that of a control group of students who were not.

Sex education alone won’t halt teenage pregnancies. Much help is needed from parental involvement, community activities, and social support groups. Still, progress has been made. If research truly connects less teenage pregnancy with a change in behavior inspired by sex education, we may soon see a reduction in disease, unwanted pregnancies, and unwanted, uncared-for children.

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