Many Youths Disregard Virginity Pledges

Although abstinence advocates say virginity pledges lower sexual activity among young people, a new Harvard University study shows more than half of such pledges are broken within one year. The study of more than 14,000 12- to 18-year-olds who signed virginity pledges showed 52% had sex within one year of making the pledge. Of those who engaged in sex, nearly three quarters later denied ever having signed a virginity pledge. 'This may indicate they are not closely affiliated with the pledge,' says lead researcher Janet Rosenbaum.