Abstinence Education

Sloppy Seconds Sex Ed by Calah Alexander

Emotional pieces, both this and the critique written by Elizabeth Smart. But who will call the women out? "You're not a woman, so you have no voice in the matter."

As for making women feel "dirty" or "used" - should we cast the blame on abstinence programs (or Jansenism or some other "negative" view of the body and sex)? Or do such programs merely reinforce the natural shame response of women? I do think that programs that wrongly affect self-esteem, foster quasi-"Jansenism," etc. are erroneous and should not be used. But getting rid of shame is not the answer - but to link it through moral formation to a proper understanding of sin and personal responsibility.

As for the broader point - while "abstinence education" may be necessary, it needs to be part of a worldview that not only respects marriage but acknowledges the differences between men and women. So what are the author's beliefs on those questions? (She seems to be a "conservative" Catholic. The views of those participating in the combox are more diverse.)