Abstinence Education Funding
October 12, 2009 3:20:41
by Shauna
Web Correspondent
Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Action Fund
Proper sex education in America was dealt a surprising blow a couple of weeks ago, and unfortunately it is not getting the attention it should. On September 30, the Senate Finance Committee passed an amendment proposal to fund abstinence only sex education. According to an article by The Washington Independent, which you can read here, "The proposal, offered by Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), would provide $50 million per year through 2014 exclusively for abstinence education programs." To say that this is disappointing is an understatement, especially under the Obama administration, which is on the record as being supportive of comprehensive sex ed programs. If this passes, not only would it do a great disservice to the youth of our country, but this proposal detracts from an alternative proposal, which also passed, that is focused on broader teen wellness initiatives.
According to an article in The Huffington Post, which can be found here, the proposals still need to pass a vote by both the House and Senate and "Lawmakers will have to reconcile the two measures, both approved during debate on a sweeping health overhaul bill, as the legislation moves forward." Now, no one is denying that abstinence should be an important part of sexual education. Abstinence is the only way to prevent pregnancy and avoid sexually transmitted infections. However, to purposely keep teenagers ignorant of the ways and means to prevent pregnancy and disease is to invite the very problems you want them to avoid. The goal of any sex education program should be to provide accurate and complete information so that teens can make informed decisions about their sexual health.
For another, lighter, look at this issue, click here to see The Daily Show with Jon Stewart's take around the 6 minute mark.
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