Penn and Teller Bullshit Season 4 Episode 10 Abstinence

In the 10th episode of season 4 of Penn and Teller Bullshit!, the duo take on the topic of abstinence. They explore the concept of abstaining from sex until marriage, and how it is often promoted in schools as the only way to prevent STDs and unwanted pregnancies. Through interviews with experts and ordinary people, Penn and Teller argue that this approach is not only unrealistic but also counterproductive.

Penn and Teller begin the episode by highlighting the prevalence of abstinence-only education, which has been mandated by the federal government since the 1990s. They visit schools to see how abstinence is being taught and interview students to gauge their understanding and opinions on the topic. The duo ultimately conclude that abstinence-only education is flawed and does not provide teenagers with the necessary information they need to make informed decisions about their sexual health.

Next, Penn and Teller explore the effectiveness of abstinence as a method for preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They interview public health experts who point out that abstinence is not a practical solution for everyone, and that condoms and other forms of protection are essential for people who choose to have sex. They also debunk common myths surrounding STIs, such as the belief that HIV can be transmitted through saliva or that only women can contract certain infections.

The episode then takes a more personal turn as Penn and Teller visit a program that teaches young people about safe sex practices. They meet with teenagers who have made a commitment to abstain from sex until marriage, and discuss their motivations and strategies for avoiding sexual activity. While Penn and Teller acknowledge that abstinence can be a valid choice for some individuals, they argue that it is not a realistic expectation for everyone. They also challenge the notion that abstinence should be the default option for teenagers, and instead advocate for comprehensive sex education that includes information about contraception and safe sex practices.

Overall, the episode raises important questions about the effectiveness of abstinence-only education and the limitations of using abstinence as a sole method for preventing STIs and unplanned pregnancy. Penn and Teller use their trademark humor and skepticism to challenge commonly held beliefs about abstinence, and ultimately advocate for a more nuanced and realistic approach to teaching young people about sexual health.