Teen Talk on Abstinence

Abstinence MEANS NOT HAVING SEX. DON’T BE FOOLED into thinking most teens are having sex. THEY AREN'T! Ask yourself, “Am I ready to have sex now?”

THINK ABOUT THE CONSEQUENCES!

• Am I willing to risk STD’s including Aids?
• Am I willing to risk a pregnancy?
• Can I handle being a single parent?
• Am I willing to give up my free time to care for a child.
• Can I support a child on my own?
• Can I handle the guilt and conflict I may feel?
• Will my decision hurt others, my parents, and my friends?

WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS?

• You don’t have to have sex to PROVE you like or love someone!
• Sex should NEVER be used to pay someone back!
• Mutual respect is what makes a relationship strong.
• Saying “NO” can be the best way to say, “I love you!”

SOME QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF

• Am I sure no one is pushing me into having sex?
• If we break up, will I be glad I had sex with this person?
• Does my partner want sex now?
• Is my partner infected with an STD including AIDS?
• Would my parents approve?
• Can I take care of a child both emotionally and financially?

If the answer is NO to any of the above questions, then you’d better WAIT!

ARE YOU READY FOR SEX?

• Abstinence, or the decision NOT to have sex, is the only right choice unless you are 100% willing to risk an unwanted pregnancy or an STD.
• Remember, you can still choose to be abstinent, even if you have been sexually active and realized it is not for you!

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO

www.notmenotnow.org