Abstinence pledges are commitments made by individuals, often teenagers, to refrain from sexual activity until marriage. These pledges are typically promoted by various organizations, including religious groups and schools, as a way to encourage responsible behavior and prevent sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies. Participants in abstinence pledges may sign contracts or participate in ceremonies to signify their commitment. The concept is often associated with programs like Sexual Risk Avoidance and is sometimes supported by educational materials that emphasize the benefits of waiting until marriage for sexual intimacy.