If you took the time to watch the presidential debate last night, you already know that the topic of teen pregnancy did not come up despite the fact that teen pregnancy rates have been on the rise for the first time in 15 years. While some people may think that the only reason why teen pregnancy is coming up in the election is Sarah Palin’s pregnant teenage daughter, the reality is that it is an important issue to consider.

The more that you talk with educators, physicians and organizations like the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, the more that you are going to hear concerns about abstinence only education. Teens with sexually transmitted diseases are increasingly common, and it’s important to look at the way that candidates would address the issue.

The McCain-Palin team would continue abstinence only education, but many are concerned that this policy already has failed teens:

(source) Abstinence may be a laudable goal, but failing to educate teenagers about how to protect themselves from disease or unintended pregnancy is tragically misguided. According to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, abstinence-only programs do not reduce sexual activity, teen pregnancy or sexually transmitted disease. Every day 10,000 U.S. teens contract a sexually transmitted disease, 2,400 get pregnant and 55 contract HIV. Unintended pregnancies happen to Republicans, Democrats and people of all faiths.

While Palin’s positions have drawn the ire and concern of the pro-choice and progressive community, they are largely — save abortions in the case of rape — in line with John McCain’s own stances. The Senator is against federal funding of birth control and sex education. He has called for the overturning of Roe v. Wade and received a zero rating from NARAL. Once, aboard the Straight Talk Express, McCain was asked if he supported the use of contraception or President Bush’s abstinence-only education program to stem the spreading of AIDS.

After a long pause, he said, ‘I think I support the president’s policy.’ Does he believe that contraceptives help stop the spread of HIV? After another long pause, he replied, “You’ve stumped me.

It has been shown that condoms reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases - particularly the spread of HIV. Myths that float around about sexuality when teens are not educated about sex and pregnancy are not enough to keep teens protected, and, while very few people would encourage anyone to choose abortion, a woman should have the right to choice - particularly in the incidence of rape.