Sex education doctor says "Sex education and abstinence" should be used together

[Stopthinkingsomuch!!!]

But she didn't say how, exactly. This was from O'Reilly show when Laura hosted it. The doctor clearly said that every parent thinks that sex education should be taught with abstinence education. She also said that all funding for abstinence education should be halted. Okay so, If so many are in agreement that the two should be used together, how should they be used together?

[Sketch]

Just how long does it take to teach abstinence? And how much should it cost? 5 minutes – tops.

Naturally we should teach about sex. Birth control, sexually transmitted disease – the whole thing. I don’t see why not – it’s only knowledge.

[khigh]

I took a Family Life class in 8th grade where we were taught home ec and sex education. I think there should be a class like that for everyone who wants to take it. Abstinence is a sentence long lesson. "Don't do it..." which from there should be added, "But, if you do, here's how you prevent pregnancy and disease".

Not condoning teen sex, but it does happen, and they should be prepared for everything that they could encounter. Probably the main reason I am pro-life is we had to watch a video of an early term abortion and a 2nd term abortion. From that moment I told myself that I would never do that to any living person.

[Fig Tree]

Not condoning teen sex, but it does happen, and they should be prepared for everything that they could encounter. Probably the main reason I am pro-life is we had to watch a video of an early term abortion and a 2nd term abortion. From that moment I told myself that I would never do that to any living person.

If we are to teach this, then "The Silent Scream" should be part of it. Just as your experience with watching an actual abortion enlightened you, it would be prudent that they understand and relate that if they do and this does happen, it is a life inside that you are choosing to kill.

[Values]

Just how long does it take to teach abstinence? And how much should it cost? 5 minutes – tops.

Naturally we should teach about sex. Birth control, sexually transmitted disease – the whole thing. I don’t see why not – it’s only knowledge.

Teaching abstinence should involve much more than just saying don't do it.
Telling them why is very important.

[Meriweather]

Teaching abstinence should involve much more than just saying don't do it.
Telling them why is very important.

Teaching abstinence takes five minutes? :))

Teaching does involve more than saying don't do it, and even teaching abstinence is not enough. Students must be convinced--and convincing them not to do it takes the most time of all.

[Mimiheart]

Comprehensive sex education includes abstinence as the only 100% effective method of disease and birth control. That said, this isn't a religion forum topic.

[Sketch]

Well abstinence only proponents seem to be exclusively religious.

Teens have sex. We can argue about if the should, but the fact remains. They ought to know what they should know to keep it safe. I have no issues with telling them that abstinence is the only 100% effective means in preventing conception and the spread of disease. But to do just that is silly. If anyone is anti-abortion then they must be pro-sex ed, its as simple as that.

[Meriweather]

Well abstinence only proponents seem to be exclusively religious.

Teens have sex. We can argue about if the should, but the fact remains. They ought to know what they should know to keep it safe. I have no issues with telling them that abstinence is the only 100% effective means in preventing conception and the spread of disease. But to do just that is silly. If anyone is anti-abortion then they must be pro-sex ed, its as simple as that.

I said this before, and I'll keep saying it. The fact is, two-year-olds dash into the streets. We don't have programs teaching two-year-olds how to dash "safely" into the street. We keep our toddlers from dashing into the streets. How many parents would consider their job as parents "done" by enrolling their two-year-old in a "street dashing" program?

"Teens have sex," is no more appropriate here than "Two-year-olds dash into the street." It's our job as parents to insure neither happens.

[Mimiheart]

I said this before, and I'll keep saying it. The fact is, two-year-olds dash into the streets. We don't have programs teaching two-year-olds how to dash "safely" into the street. We keep our toddlers from dashing into the streets. How many parents would consider their job as parents "done" by enrolling their two-year-old in a "street dashing" program?

"Teens have sex," is no more appropriate here than "Two-year-olds dash into the street." It's our job as parents to insure neither happens.
The difference is that a two-year-old's body isn't biologically telling him to dash into the street. It may be telling him to run. The parent's job is to tell him how/where/when to safely run.

Same deal with sex ed and teens. Their bodies are telling them one thing. The media, their friends, their clothes... etc... are possibly backing their bodies up on this. Having a class that says, "Just say no!" ain't gonna cut it.

[Broseph]

I said this before, and I'll keep saying it. The fact is, two-year-olds dash into the streets. We don't have programs teaching two-year-olds how to dash "safely" into the street. We keep our toddlers from dashing into the streets. How many parents would consider their job as parents "done" by enrolling their two-year-old in a "street dashing" program?

"Teens have sex," is no more appropriate here than "Two-year-olds dash into the street." It's our job as parents to insure neither happens.

Apples and oranges.

Teens have control over having sex, and are aware of the potential good and bad parts of it.

Two year olds, although they may have control over running into the street, likely have no clue exactly what's going to happen to them.

[Samm]

But she didn't say how, exactly. This was from O'Reilly show when Laura hosted it. The doctor clearly said that every parent thinks that sex education should be taught with abstinence education. She also said that all funding for abstinence education should be halted. Okay so, If so many are in agreement that the two should be used together, how should they be used together?

How? By rational, frank and open discussion... liberally salted with facts instead of idealistic BS or fear mongering. It is much like teaching personal gun protection... you emphasize the last thing you want to do is to shoot somebody, but if that is how it plays out, here is how you do it so that you stop your attacker cold with the least amount of danger to yourself.

[angelicmadrigal]

Comprehensive sex education includes abstinence as the only 100% effective method of disease and birth control. That said, this isn't a religion forum topic.

That is true it is the only 100% method, and it's fine to say that. However, certain methods of birthcontrol are relatively realiable. If you're going to be hoenst about abstinence, you have to be hoenst about that too.

Also, you have to be very clear about abstinence and it's meaning. Whether you are talking about abstaining from traditional intercourse or whether all other things are included in that, because some STDs can be transmitted by means other than traditional intercourse.

[mwevans1234]

It only takes 17 seconds to teach both abstinence and sex education:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGkY4x2b_zA

[Mimiheart]

That is true it is the only 100% method, and it's fine to say that. However, certain methods of birthcontrol are relatively realiable. If you're going to be hoenst about abstinence, you have to be hoenst about that too.

Also, you have to be very clear about abstinence and it's meaning. Whether you are talking about abstaining from traditional intercourse or whether all other things are included in that, because some STDs can be transmitted by means other than traditional intercourse.
The OP was asking how you include abstinence in a sex education program. I was just answering that.

[CaptainPike]

I can remember my 6th grade teacher telling us that we were all capable of reproduction but none of us were yet responsible enough or had the financial means to take care of a child.

I think he was advocating abstinence. I feel so CHEATED!

[angelicmadrigal]

The OP was asking how you include abstinence in a sex education program. I was just answering that.

And I'm saying that if you're goign to teach them together you need to clarify EXACTLY what you mean by abstinence when you teach it.

[Dreamy]

The difference is that a two-year-old's body isn't biologically telling him to dash into the street. It may be telling him to run. The parent's job is to tell him how/where/when to safely run.

Same deal with sex ed and teens. Their bodies are telling them one thing. The media, their friends, their clothes... etc... are possibly backing their bodies up on this. Having a class that says, "Just say no!" ain't gonna cut it.

I agree but......


....has all this sexual education over the years,so often offered through the public school systems been a roaring success? Hardly in my view. I am still seeing the age old concerns and problems caused from having unprotected sexual activity.

Someone please tell me what the difference is from the days of the 40s,50s and today? Sexually what has changed except teens have many more avenues and BC options and yet are still getting pregnant and getting STDs.

[Sketch]

I bartend in the East Village NYC - we give away free condoms, and we can't keep them in the bin. Educated people use protection.

[Dreamy]

I bartend in the East Village NYC - we give away free condoms, and we can't keep them in the bin. Educated people use protection.

They take them at the bar. Good show. Do they use them? You have no way of knowing. Many have good intentions before the erection.

But this thread is more about persons too young to be in a bar.

[Sketch]

They take them at the bar. Good show. Do they use them? You have no way of knowing. Many have good intentions before the erection.

But this thread is more about persons too young to be in a bar.


yes these people are older, but were brought up in an environment that promoted "safe sex" and they generally take that seriously. Sure there are those who don't, or don't all the time, but the fact is they do it a lot more than my generation ever did.

[Dreamy]

yes these people are older, but were brought up in an environment that promoted "safe sex" and they generally take that seriously. Sure there are those who don't, or don't all the time, but the fact is they do it a lot more than my generation ever did.

Well I can't speak for stats I can only say I am still seeing the pregnancies in my children's age group (18-21). Not sure what the STDs are because those don't get discussed even in this so very enlightened society of today.

Boys in the 50s had condoms in their wallets. Having and using is where the disconnect is happening for some.

Like I said people have great intentions often before the erection.

[Mimiheart]

I agree but......


....has all this sexual education over the years,so often offered through the public school systems been a roaring success? Hardly in my view. I am still seeing the age old concerns and problems caused from having unprotected sexual activity.

Someone please tell me what the difference is from the days of the 40s,50s and today? Sexually what has changed except teens have many more avenues and BC options and yet are still getting pregnant and getting STDs.
I don't think that sex education is the only answer. There's far more factors involved than just that one thing. And yet people on both sides seem to look at it as an answer/cause. The average age where people get married has gone up. I don't know the cause--it could be one of those things where the cause and effect are so closely linked that it doesn't matter in the end, but the fact remains girls who may have waited until 18-20 to get married and have sex may not be as willing to wait until they are 25.

We don't have "I Love Lucy" on TV, we don't even have "The Brady Bunch," instead we have "Sex in the City."

They have thong underwear on the shelves for kids in kindergarten. And SOMEONE must be buying them, or else they wouldn't exist. I won't even start with the low-rise jeans and high-rise tops.

How many families today have sit-down dinner time more than 3 nights a week? Especially with teens in the house. I know my family doesn't--I work evenings.

[Samm]

I agree but......


....has all this sexual education over the years,so often offered through the public school systems been a roaring success? Hardly in my view. I am still seeing the age old concerns and problems caused from having unprotected sexual activity.

Someone please tell me what the difference is from the days of the 40s,50s and today? Sexually what has changed except teens have many more avenues and BC options and yet are still getting pregnant and getting STDs.

Societal morality. :neutral:

[Samm]

It only takes 17 seconds to teach both abstinence and sex education:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGkY4x2b_zA

:))

[Dreamy]

I don't think that sex education is the only answer. There's far more factors involved than just that one thing. And yet people on both sides seem to look at it as an answer/cause. The average age where people get married has gone up. I don't know the cause--it could be one of those things where the cause and effect are so closely linked that it doesn't matter in the end, but the fact remains girls who may have waited until 18-20 to get married and have sex may not be as willing to wait until they are 25.

We don't have "I Love Lucy" on TV, we don't even have "The Brady Bunch," instead we have "Sex in the City."

They have thong underwear on the shelves for kids in kindergarten. And SOMEONE must be buying them, or else they wouldn't exist. I won't even start with the low-rise jeans and high-rise tops.

How many families today have sit-down dinner time more than 3 nights a week? Especially with teens in the house. I know my family doesn't--I work evenings.

No you misunderstood me Mimi. I am not an abstinence only type of parent. Never was. My own teen years have not been forgotten. lol My point is simply that back in earlier days sex was still happening. Both kids from religious strict homes and those with parents who took a hands off approach were having sex. Catholic school girls my daughter attended school with had babies. Sluts have babies. Bookworms have babies. All share the same risk of STD transmission.

My broader point is school can truly only offer so much and then it is up to the teens. When the erections and hormones are happening and the clothes are off,Teacher Jones' lecture or video presentation is not doing a thing at that moment. The sexual desire is far too strong for many teens.

Preventing and deciding against the life changing risks associated with youthful and hormonally driven sex must take place long before the the "hook up" happens.

Think about it as adults with more life experience and knowledge. How hard is it to stop your sexual drive when it is stimulated?

Sexual arousal seeks fulfillment and completion. A partner in the near vicinity is a desirable want and is often all the aroused sees.

The things that MAY stop early sexual activity must come long before puberty and arousal and often involves respect for themselves,clearly defined goals for the future and a respect for one's parents. And even with all of those in play,teens sometimes let their bodies rule all.

[Samm]

No you misunderstood me Mimi. I am not an abstinence only type of parent. Never was. My own teen years have not been forgotten. lol My point is simply that back in earlier days sex was still happening. Both kids from religious strict homes and those with parents who took a hands off approach were having sex. Catholic school girls my daughter attended school with had babies. Sluts have babies. Bookworms have babies. All share the same risk of STD transmission.

My broader point is school can truly only offer so much and then it is up to the teens. When the erections and hormones are happening and the clothes are off,Teacher Jones' lecture or video presentation is not doing a thing at that moment. The sexual desire is far too strong for many teens.

Preventing and deciding against the life changing risks associated with youthful and hormonally driven sex must take place long before the the "hook up" happens.

Think about it as adults with more life experience and knowledge. How hard is it to stop your sexual drive when it is stimulated?

Sexual arousal seeks fulfillment and completion. A partner in the near vicinity is a desirable want and is often all the aroused sees.

The things that MAY stop early sexual activity must come long before puberty and arousal and often involves respect for themselves,clearly defined goals for the future and a respect for one's parents. And even with all of those in play,teens sometimes let their bodies rule all.

And on that point (bolded) any parent or institution that stresses abstinence and does not encourage masturbation, is asking for that child to fail with the former.

[Dreamy]

And on that point (bolded) any parent or institution that stresses abstinence and does not encourage masturbation, is asking for that child to fail with the former.

Valid and important point. Stressing that the teen waits until she or he is in a private place of course. :)) Hold that feeling.

[Samm]

Valid and important point. Stressing that the teen waits until she or he is in a private place of course. :)) Hold that feeling.

Care to rephrase that? :D

[Dreamy]

Care to rephrase that? :D

:)) Nope.

[Stopthinkingsomuch!!!]

Saying that abstinence only says "Don't do it" is simplifying the message of abstinence. Sure it has its glitches, but what method doesn't? As for "Sex education", there is fault with that method. I doubt that anyone can deny that sex education, condom use, safe sex, etc. has been inundated in popular media such as MTV, public schools, commercials, and campaigns that are globally pushed, yet it teen pregnancy is still high and the reported cases of HIV in major metro areas such as NY is reportedly higher than originally reported.

So simply telling people to practice safe sex, is like simply telling people not to smoke. Sure some may not, but many people still do and continue to smoke. I don't think people are compelled by the pratical reasons and whys of sex education.

[Stopthinkingsomuch!!!]

Catholic school girls my daughter attended school with had babies. Sluts have babies. Bookworms have babies. All share the same risk of STD transmission


Statistics show there are a high % of abortions for young girls in college.

http://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/psrh/full/3711005.pdf :Table 4.

Sluts probably know more about sex education. The problem with sex education is that what happens when a young couple ""thinks""" they are in a serious relationship this month or week (double quotations is on purpose)? I mean why practice safe sex when you are in LOVE. The message is that sex education is for those who are mainly not in a monogamous relationship. As for teen pregs, it is a double message. You are mature enough to have sex, so logic would tell you that you are mature enough (if you so choice at that moment) to have a child. Then reality hits.

By the way, the teens I knew of in high school who got pregnant were in so called committed relationships for a long time.

[Antrel]

If stating abstinence is the only 100% way to prevent pregnancy and STD's doesn't quite sell the idea, what else are you going to teach? You'll **** off your parents if you have sex?

Teach your own kids more extensively abstinence if it bothers you the topic is more limited.

I'm against all mandatory schooling, sex-ed included, but it stands to reason that more emphasis would be placed upon performing safely a frequent and instinctively desired human function.

[Dreamy]

Statistics show there are a high % of abortions for young girls in college.

http://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/psrh/full/3711005.pdf :Table 4.

Sluts probably know more about sex education. The problem with sex education is that what happens when a young couple ""thinks""" they are in a serious relationship this month or week (double quotations is on purpose)? I mean why practice safe sex when you are in LOVE. The message is that sex education is for those who are mainly not in a monogamous relationship. As for teen pregs, it is a double message. You are mature enough to have sex, so logic would tell you that you are mature enough (if you so choice at that moment) to have a child. Then reality hits.

By the way, the teens I knew of in high school who got pregnant were in so called committed relationships for a long time.

I have seen all types of relationships produce babies. It just takes a sperm and an egg to meet.

[Dreamy]

Saying that abstinence only says "Don't do it" is simplifying the message of abstinence. Sure it has its glitches, but what method doesn't? As for "Sex education", there is fault with that method. I doubt that anyone can deny that sex education, condom use, safe sex, etc. has been inundated in popular media such as MTV, public schools, commercials, and campaigns that are globally pushed, yet it teen pregnancy is still high and the reported cases of HIV in major metro areas such as NY is reportedly higher than originally reported.

So simply telling people to practice safe sex, is like simply telling people not to smoke. Sure some may not, but many people still do and continue to smoke. I don't think people are compelled by the pratical reasons and whys of sex education.

Abstinence being taught? What does that actually mean? Teach the children what exactly?

Who as a teen had no idea that NOT having sex was an option? I knew I could say no.

The best teaching in my view is showing.

Let them experience childcare,let them see what STDs look like and what it causes.

[Stopthinkingsomuch!!!]

My sex education, was some old 1970s film on how to wear a condom and the dreaded STD, along with a color video of my health teacher's wife snatch pushing out a baby; FULL FRONTAL VIEW ("***?" wasn't around then, sadly). Some boring class that no one paid attention to...ZZZZZZZZZZZZ. That was in the early 80s maybe it has changed.

[Stopthinkingsomuch!!!]

Sure you knew you can say no, but why would say no. And could you back it up, strongly and with convention that will stand up through all the bases.

[Dreamy]

Sure you knew you can say no, but why would say no. And could you back it up, strongly and with convention that will stand up through all the bases.


No I did not say no. That is my point. I was taught to say no. I was raised with faith,the Bible and morality. Guess what? I said yes. So I am back to asking all of you how do you actually teach abstinence? What is so confusing that it must be taught?

I knew I would have urges. I know my mother did not approve. She taught me to say no and why. I feared getting disease or pregnant. And yet I still had unprotected sex as a teen....because I wanted to experience it with the boy I "loved".

Adults better started remembering their own teen years and get real.

[John O'Shea]

The only sex education I ever needed was the Lord's word. I can't believe we even need this stuff in schools. Kids need a better foundation.

[Samm]

Statistics show there are a high % of abortions for young girls in college.

http://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/psrh/full/3711005.pdf :Table 4.

Sluts probably know more about sex education. The problem with sex education is that what happens when a young couple ""thinks""" they are in a serious relationship this month or week (double quotations is on purpose)? I mean why practice safe sex when you are in LOVE. The message is that sex education is for those who are mainly not in a monogamous relationship. As for teen pregs, it is a double message. You are mature enough to have sex, so logic would tell you that you are mature enough (if you so choice at that moment) to have a child. Then reality hits.

By the way, the teens I knew of in high school who got pregnant were in so called committed relationships for a long time.

Most of the teens I knew of in high school who got pregnant were in so called committed relationships for about 5 minutes... :neutral:

[Samm]

I have seen all types of relationships produce babies. It just takes a sperm and an egg to meet.

I used to work with a fellow who had six kids. He joked that he (they) had had one child by every form of birth control except his vasectomy. ;)

[angelicmadrigal]

No I did not say no. That is my point. I was taught to say no. I was raised with faith,the Bible and morality. Guess what? I said yes. So I am back to asking all of you how do you actually teach abstinence? What is so confusing that it must be taught?


You don't really, you just throw it out there as another option in sex ed. Plenty of people remain abstinent into adulthood, and that's fine too. I think it's all about showing that there are options and that it's a VERY personal choice. Some teens feel pressured by peers to have sex, some teens have the urge all on their own....but I think sometimes that KNOWING abstinence is a completely acceptable choice, can help an unready teen avoid having sex he/she isn't ready for.

[angelicmadrigal]

The best teaching in my view is showing.

Let them experience childcare,let them see what STDs look like and what it causes.

Some schools already do that, in conjunction with standard sex ed and health classes.

[livia]

The notion that Abstinence Only policy will significantly decrease the number of teenage pregnancies, is damaged by the fact that the ultra liberal Dutch have the lowest rate of teenage pregnancy and Europe and amongst the lowest in the developed world.

Educating about the "limits" of contraception is so important. I would love to know the statistics for teenagers using contraception incorrectly through ignorance eg: using the pill only when on antibiotics, not taking the progesteron only pill at the same time each day, what to do if you miss a pill.

[Dreamy]

You don't really, you just throw it out there as another option in sex ed. Plenty of people remain abstinent into adulthood, and that's fine too. I think it's all about showing that there are options and that it's a VERY personal choice. Some teens feel pressured by peers to have sex, some teens have the urge all on their own....but I think sometimes that KNOWING abstinence is a completely acceptable choice, can help an unready teen avoid having sex he/she isn't ready for.

I simply don't know about the pressure angle. No one pressured me but me. What teen does not know No is an option? I think we treat children as this naive people when in fact they are hardly clueless. This is not the 50s. They know much more than we realize.

Teen sex? Sometimes adult sex? Happens cos....


Girls use sex to get love. Guys use love to get sex

[Stopthinkingsomuch!!!]

The notion that Abstinence Only policy will significantly decrease the number of teenage pregnancies, is damaged by the fact that the ultra liberal Dutch have the lowest rate of teenage pregnancy and Europe and amongst the lowest in the developed world.


I'm sort of iffy on comparing the Netherlands, Denmark, and Sweden to the United States. The population is extremely different between the 2 nations. The USA has a high immigration population not just from Mexico, but Haiti, Africa, Asia, and other places where there is a high teen pregnancy rate in their home place. They just don't change or stop habits once they get to US soil. The Netherlands has a restrict immigration policy:

http://www.eubusiness.com/Netherlands/immigration.2006-04-05/

2005 the US has 38,355,000 immigrants.

While the Netherlands:1,638,000
Denmark:389,000
Sweden:1,117,000

Total is still small. It would be only be fair if you would to compare UK with the US.

Not to mention that due to prochoice advocacy some teen pregnancies and abortions are not even reported in Europe, because it is not that important to; and in the US because of legal actions if a procedure or pregnancy is reported.

[livia]

I'm sort of iffy on comparing the Netherlands, Denmark, and Sweden to the United States. The population is extremely different between the 2 nations. The USA has a high immigration population not just from Mexico, but Haiti, Africa, Asia, and other places where there is a high teen pregnancy rate in their home place. They just don't change or stop habits once they get to US soil. The Netherlands has a restrict immigration policy:

http://www.eubusiness.com/Netherlands/immigration.2006-04-05/

2005 the US has 38,355,000 immigrants.

While the Netherlands:1,638,000
Denmark:389,000
Sweden:1,117,000

Total is still small. It would be only be fair if you would to compare UK with the US.

Not to mention that due to prochoice advocacy some teen pregnancies and abortions are not even reported in Europe, because it is not that important to; and in the US because of legal actions if a procedure or pregnancy is reported.


But the Netherlands does have a relatively high " non Dutch" population. ( approx 20% of the total population) and these immigrants are also from similar areas to those you have mentioned.

Even taking the UK's pretty dismal results ( it made big news here last week that the UK had the highest rate of teen pregnancy in Europe), they are still low compared to the US. But then sex education is a very emotive subject in the UK, whereas it's normal in other European countries ( which just happen to have much lower pregnancy rates.)

[Stopthinkingsomuch!!!]

There's is not that many pure Dutch people period. Pre WW2 brought in immigrants, to that region. As the link mention, they are selected as to who gets into their country. Not just anyone can be a Dutch Citizen. This is true for Australia and Canada. The immigrants that come to the Dutch nations is different than those that come to the US.

http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/skilled-occupations/occupations-in-demand.htm#oppt
Australia even has a list of job demands for immigrants, of course this is list is only after those jobs are not FILLED citizens. In the US is every man for his self.

http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/skilled-occupations/occupations-in-demand.htm#oppt
So in Denmark you can't have a criminal record. In the US that would mean a great % of immigrants would not be able to come to the US or be a citizen.

How many immigrants or illegals in the US can pass Canada's Test:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/tool/index.asp (http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/tool/index.asp)

[livia]

There's is not that many pure Dutch people period. Pre WW2 brought in immigrants, to that region. As the link mention, they are selected as to who gets into their country. Not just anyone can be a Dutch Citizen. This is true for Australia and Canada. The immigrants that come to the Dutch nations is different than those that come to the US.

http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/skilled-occupations/occupations-in-demand.htm#oppt
Australia even has a list of job demands for immigrants, of course this is list is only after those jobs are not FILLED citizens. In the US is every man for his self.

http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/skilled-occupations/occupations-in-demand.htm#oppt
So in Denmark you can't have a criminal record. In the US that would mean a great % of immigrants would not be able to come to the US or be a citizen.

How many immigrants or illegals in the US can pass Canada's Test:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/tool/index.asp (http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/tool/index.asp)

Perhaps you have something in the fact that it seems to be easier to gain citizenship in the US - my husband had to complete an exam several years ago to become a British citizen and most natural born Brits would probably have failed!

However, going back to the possible reasons besides immigration (which may be a factor in the US, but isn't the only one), here is an interesting article comparing the outlook in Europe and US.
Interesting stats, although some of the proposed reasons strike me as a bit patronising;)
http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/PUBLICATIONS/factsheet/fsest.htm

[Stopthinkingsomuch!!!]

The US has such an exam. Yet some countries go further than that exam.