What is Abstinence Education?                                                           

Does Abstinence reduce teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and other risky behaviors?                                                                            

Is Abstinence 100% effective?

Because all risky behaviors are interconnected, McCap has expanded its focus to include all five health-risk behaviors (sex, drugs, alcohol, violence, tobacco) in an effort to help youth make responsible choices and lead productive lives.

What exactly does Abstinence Education teach?

Teens are taught relationship skills, communication skills, dating skills;  and use personality surveys (just like E-Harmony!!) that help him/her identify their own temperament, strengths, success in situations and gain knowledge about the "steps of intimacy".  

Abstinence education promotes healthy choices and how to avoid letting risky behaviors (drugs, alcohol, sex, violence, tobacco) endanger one's well-being. Teens explore the FACTS about teen pregnancy, STD's...but abstinence education goes beyond the facts by practicing life-skills and relationship development.

Abstinence Education treats sexual activity among teens as a 'risky behavior', just like smoking, alcohol, or drug use.  Abstinence is logical and safe.  Teens need to know that there are real risks in   

being sexually active. 

All Students are told that if they are already sexually active they need to seek medical attention (one out of four sexually active teens gets an STD each year and sexually active teens need to be tested by a medical professional). Any instruction about contraceptive use is best given by a medical professional.    

Abstinence is logical and safe. 

We teach communication skills.

"Your child's budding communication skills are a testament to his innate desire to connect with the world, to be recognized, and to love and be loved. The communication tools that your child masters now and the confidence he feels when he expresses himself will enrich his entire life." Sara Wilford : director of the Art of Teaching graduate program at Sarah Lawrence College in New York, Parent & Child Magazine.