Fact: Abstinence programs dramatically reduce out-of-wedlock childbearing. For more than a decade, abstinence organizations such as “True Love Waits” have encouraged young people to abstain from sexual activity. As part of these programs, young people are encouraged to make a verbal or written pledge to abstain from sex until marriage. Young women who take a virginity pledge are about 40 percent less likely to have a child out-of-wedlock when compared to  similar young women who do not make pledges, according to recently released data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. These dramatic findings are valid even when background factors such as socio-economic status, race, religiosity, and other relevant variables are held constant.

Program Information

The My Future Matters Project (MFM) serves as a primary prevention for at-risk behaviors that works with youth (7th - 12th grade) in Imperial County to help students set and develop goals, build self-esteem and develop communication skills. In addition, students learn about the importance of healthy lifestyle choices, and the consequences of unhealthy decisions. MFM promotes abstinence, assertivness, and leadership skills.

Our program uses the "Choosing the Best" series, a nationally recognized curriculum. Choosing the Best addresses the issues of decisions, goals, and healthy relationships as a foundation for implementing the choice of abstinence. The curriculum uses statistical evidence, personal vignettes, and interactive demonstartions to show the risks of sexually transmitted diseases and consequences of teen pregnancy, as well as consequences of partcipating in other risky behavior, such as drug and alcohol use.

The My Future Matters Project is funded by a grant through the Department of Health and Human Services, Administration of Children and Families, Administration on Children, Youth and Families.

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