be pinned on abortion. "Fewer teens are getting pregnant in the first place," writes Laura Meckler of CNEWS, projecting the results from a study in 1998. More teenagers use condoms. They use them sooner after becoming active and are becoming more sophisticated about their use (Mauldon 1). This progress should be encouraged by making it even easier to obtain condoms. Then the choice of not using them becomes profoundly ridiculous because the opportunity to acquire them is brought upon students at least five school days a week.With understanding the need of many people to resort back to a simpler age, the main goal now should be to be open and aware of "what works for adolescents" (Mauldon 9). And promoting contraception seem to be what is working. Research shows that "programs that successfully influenced student behavior were focused on increasing contraceptive use, or more specifically, condom use" (8). New policies and programs have made partial progress, although they can and should be stronger. After all, America still has a long way to go before our teens are as effective in prevention as many European countries are (Mauldon 9). Young adults themselves must also learn that there really is "no such thing as safe sex" ("What Can"1). Abstinence is the safest way to prevent pregnancy and contraction of STDs. Those who do choose to have sex should protect themselves in the best way possible, every time. Teenagers should make sure that they use condoms properly, by giving close attention to lessons taught in programs such as health courses, and reading instructions provided with the contraceptive. Condom distribution should be encouraged everywhere teens may gather, especially high schools. And there should not be any opposition, after all "as a group, teens might be more consistent condom users than adults" (Scripps2). Young adults are capable and will in fact make good decisions if we as a society never limit their opt...
