The fact is …

• No method of birth control is 100% effective.
  
• Only half of all sexually active adolescents always use birth control (Canadian Youth Foundation).
  
• The main factors leading to ineffective use of contraceptives are: unfamiliarity, lack of understanding, embarrassment, barriers to access, denial (Health Digest, Fall 1999).
  
• 8 out of 10 single parents, the majority of whom are women, between the ages of 16 and 24 live below the poverty line (Health Canada, 1996).
  
• The most popular source of sex education in Canada is peers - unfortunately they don't always have accurate information (Durex, 2001).
  
• 89% of Ontario youth feel that it is important for them to receive sexual health education (McKay & Holowaty, 1997).
  
• 20% of infertility among couples can be traced to a previously untreated STD/STI (Health Canada, 1996).
  
• By grade 11, approximately 50% of youth report having had sexual intercourse (Canada Youth and Aids Study, 1995).