Who We Are

180 Degrees is an outreach of Real Options, a pregnancy resource clinic in Allen, TX. This program has been serving students in the Dallas Metroplex area for over 20 years and reached over a quarter million students. Our copy-written curriculum is a sexual risk avoidance program designed to help teenagers recognize the consequences of premarital sex, the beauty of healthy marriage relationships, and turn their thinking about sex around a whole 180 degrees.

Our presentations include topics such as: setting appropriate physical boundaries, the dangers of the digital age, staggering STI and pregnancy statistics, recognizing unhealthy relationships and the joys of a thriving marriage. 

Mission Statement:

The mission of the 180 Degrees program is to encourage young people to adopt a lifestyle of sexual integrity.

• “Encourage” – to inspire with courage, spirit, personal example and confidence

• “Young people” – ranging from middle school through college age students

• “Adopt” – actionable, observable change in behavior; make part of their lives

• "Lifestyle” – this includes any/all decisions, thought patterns, behaviors, and beliefs

• “Sexual integrity” – defined as sexual abstinence until marriage and healthy emotional,

  physical and spiritual choices within relationships

SPEAKERS

Why Abstinence Education Works

Abstinence education is sometimes criticized, so we wanted to take the time to explain the benefits of this approach.

1. 100% Effective

This is a simple but essential point.  If a child is taught abstinence and practices it, then they will not incur many of the consequences such as teen pregnancy and STIs.  There is an added benefit of reduced emotional attachment issues due to sexual activity paired with the dissolvent of the relationship.

2. Medically accurate & Peer REVIEWED

We understand the importance of accurate medical information. Thus, our 180 Degrees curriculum as been peer reviewed by the medical professionals: OBGYNs, educators, and licensed counselors. You can find our research along with bibliographic information on our Research page.

3. comprehensive

Some argue that programs that call themselves "comprehensive sex education" are more affection than “abstinence only” curriculums. However, we believe 180 Degrees is more comprehensive than most of the ones that are called by that name.  Our curriculum addresses STIs, pregnancy, emotional issues, the benefits of abstinence AND contraception.  We do not provide or refer for contraception, but we are clear about the benefits and limitations of them.  We agree that condoms are a BETTER choice for a sexually active student, but it is not the BEST choice.  Why would we settle for teaching our children to reach for "better" when they can have the "best"?  

4. Encourages Healthy Relationships

180 Degrees teaches that abstinence is not about rules and regulations, but rather about freedom to have wonderful healthy relationships and ultimately marriages.  Sex should be something that is cherished and looked forward to in a marriage relationship.  Many students have not been witness to these types of relationships and our team wants to show students it is possible.

5. It is the Law

Currently in the state of Texas, abstinence education is the required teaching curriculum, and the age of sexual consent is 17 years old.

6. Parents Agree

Most parents in the United States agree that abstinence education is what they want for their children.  If parents and educators work together to provide a strong message of abstinence, we can make a difference.  We also recognize that abstinence education is best done in the home.  180 Degrees is only meant to be a reiteration of the parents' message.  Thus, we encourage each of our students to have open communication about their sexual health with their parents. 

7. Teenagers Agree

Even teenagers can recognize that boundaries are beneficial.  They might not always want to admit it, but they are pleading with adults for a positive message.

• Teens whose parents express disapproval of non-marital sex and contraceptive use are less likely than their peers to have sex.

• Nearly 9 out of 10 teens say it would be easier to avoid early sexual activity and teen pregnancy if they were able to have more open, honest conversations about these topics with their parents.

• 9 out of 10 teens think that adults should let teens know they should wait to have sex at least until they get out of high school.

8. Raises the Standard

Some think that abstinence is an outdated ideal that most teenagers will not choose.  But our team believes students can make good choices when given the right tools.  We have to hold up a standard for our children and not lower it simply because we don't believe in their ability to make good choices.  Will some students still choose to become sexually active?  Of course, but does that mean we should stop teaching the best option just because some don't choose it?  Do we discourage college because some won't go, do we hand out clean needles because some might use drugs, do we stop discouraging underage drinking because some will end up drinking?  These ideas are ridiculous because we want the best for our children and that is what abstinence is for their sexual health. 

9. Scientific Research

Here are some resources for data that show abstinence education is having a positive and effective impact on teenagers and young adults. 

• Abstinence-only program helps kids postpone sex

• LA Times "Abstinence-only classes may be effective for young teens"

• Abstinence programs supported by Pediatricians

• HHS supports Sexual Risk Avoidance (Sexual Abstinence)

Targeted educational programs:

*Do to the sensitive nature of some subjects below and our belief that it is the parents responsibility to raise their children under their own beliefs, we do NOT discuss or teach on the following subjects:

Masturbation, Abortion, Homosexuality, Transgenderism, Condom Demonstrations 

All questions raised on these topics are referred back to the parents for discussion.

If you would like an outline of the materials covered in each of these programs, please contact the 180 Team.