Abstinence or Safe Sex?

Oooh how's this for some controversy?

I've always been against the idea of abstinence as the only form of sexual education. I learned all about STD's, condoms and sex in health class starting in junior high. When it came time for the real thing I was happy I knew what was going on and knowing I was keeping myself as safe as possible.

I don't understand why it is so wrong to teach that abstinence is the only way to protect yourself 100% from disease and pregnancy...but do it along side safe sex practices. The policy makers (sadly) can only decide which should be taught in schools, but they won't be there making the decisions for teenagers who are thinking about having sex. Obviously teaching abstinence alone doesn't stop teenagers from having sex - how about teaching them how to protect themselves?

Need more evidence? One out of every four teen girls in the USA has an STD. That is outrageous. Most of those girls probably didn't know about HPV or how to prevent it. It bothers me that people ignore that fact that people are not perfect and therefore are going to put themselves in situations of risk from time to time. The more knowledge people have going into a risky situation the less likely it will turn out to be harmful.

I know this is a controversial topic, and I'm definitely interested in hearing other opinions.