‘Abstinence only’ gets update-Gov. Strickland has proposed dropping the Abstinence Only Education

[The Straight Story]

‘Abstinence only’ gets update

By Connie Cartmell, [e-mail]


In continuing efforts to tighten the state's (Ohio)belt, Gov. Ted Strickland has proposed dropping the Abstinence Only Education Program from the new budget.

It would mean an Ohio taxpayer savings of $500,000, and a federal savings of $1.6 million, according to Keith Dailey, press secretary.

"There is no conclusive evidence that the abstinence only program works," Dailey said. "This is the slowest revenue growth budget in 42 years and there are tough choices to be made."

The program, in place in Ohio only seven years, provides for designated abstinence educators, who travel from school district to school district, presenting the abstinence-only message to students from middle through high school.

Ohio receives $3 from the federal government for every $1 spent on this, which goes to materials for the program and administration grants.

http://www.mariettatimes.com/news/story/new32_326200781705.asp

[NMMNG]

1. "There is no conclusive evidence that the abstinence only program works,"

No there isn't. In fact there's conclusive evidence that it doesn't work, and that comprehensive sex-ed is what is far more effective and necessary.

But try and tell that to the fundies who demanded the abstinence only programs and they'll just put their fingers in their ears and shout "la la la la" as they do any time you give them facts.

[orleans]

2. makes me think of these purity balls (totally bizarre!)

"They (critics) also point to studies showing that the majority of adolescents who take purity pledges break them within a few years, often by engaging in risky and unprotected sex.

A study conducted by researchers at the universities of Columbia and Yale found that 88% of pledgers wind up having sex before marriage.

"Unfortunately these young people tend, once they start to have sex, to have more partners in a shorter period of time and to use contraception much less than their non-pledging peers," said Debra Hauser, executive vice-president at Advocates for Youth, a Washington-based non-profit organisation.

"Teens may pledge with the best of intentions … and then as they break their pledges they are so shamed and embarrassed it's unlikely they will seek help."

http://www.thestar.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=3744403

[NJCher]

3. time for these fundie programs to go

The fundies had their day. Let's get rid of all their programs, not just this one.



Cher