Abstinence

• Abstinence is the practice of refraining from sexual activity. The Church has historically encouraged and guided young adults and couples in practicing abstinence before marriage.
  
• While requiring self-control and willpower, abstinence offers practical benefits. By refraining from sex, there is no chance of pregnancy, and both men and women avoid contracting or spreading Sexually Transmitted Diseases or Sexually Transmitted Infections (STDs and STIs).
  
• Practicing abstinence also has emotional health benefits. By not having sex, men and women avoid regret and hurt from sexual encounters and the worry of becoming pregnant or being a parent, while also having a sense of value beyond that found in physical intimacy.
  

Learn about Abstinence

Despite the many benefits, abstinence is often ridiculed in our post-sexual revolution culture, as well as those who chose to be abstinent. The new mindset is that people who aren’t having sex are prudish and closed-minded, afraid of their own bodies. Additionally, sex isn’t just allowable but celebrated in every format, in every media. Yet this sexual “freedom”—which is impacting children at younger and younger ages—does not bring the freedom and joy as promised.

If Abstinence is Encouraged, Does that Mean That Sex is Bad?

This is a common misconception—in fact, the opposite is true. We value abstinence because sex is not only good but has beauty and purpose. The Bible, notably Song of Solomon, celebrates marriage and sex. Additionally, many Church programs about abstinence, one notable example being Pope John Paul II’s “Theology of the Body,” emphasizes that sexual desire is a good thing given to us by God and addresses how to value that gift with a pure heart.

Isn’t Abstinence Talk Just for Teenagers?

The core value of abstinence is not just saying “no” to sex outside of marriage; it is that of sexual purity. It means abstaining from sexual immorality that does damage to us spiritually, be it struggles with pornography or adulterous thoughts or relationships. We are all prone to sin, especially sexual sin, so abstinence and sexual purity is as important to teenagers as it is to mature, married adults in the Church.