Just Say NO to Doubling Abstinence-Only Funds

During his State of the Union address, President Bush called for the doubling of abstinence-only-until-marriage funding in spite of the fact that there is no evidence that these programs work. In fact, recent research shows that abstinence-only programs may discourage contraceptive use among sexually active teens, increasing their risk for unintended pregnancy and STIs.

Tell President Bush to stop pouring taxpayer dollars into flawed abstinence-only programs.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: I Oppose Federal Funding of Unproven, Harmful Abstinence-Only Programs

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I urge you to stop pouring taxpayer dollars into unproven, harmful abstinence-only-until-marriage programs.

Despite years of evaluation, there is currently no evidence that abstinence-only programs delay teenage sexual activity. Further, recent research shows that abstinence-only strategies may discourage contraceptive use among sexually active teens, increasing their risk of unintended pregnancy and STIs. Information that is wrong, too little, or too late puts our young people at risk.

Abstinence is a good message for young people. Medically accurate and comprehensive sex education includes information about abstinence and postponement of sexual activity. Although abstinence may be the ideal, we can't leave young people in the dark. We must ensure that young people know how to protect themselves from disease and unintended pregnancy through education programs that teach abstinence, self-esteem, decision-making skills, contraceptives, and disease prevention. Young people need acccess to accurate information in order to make healthy decisions. Young people deserve comprehensive sex education.

Americans support sex education. For more than two decades, public opinion data on the sex education debate has been consistent. A recent natonwide poll reflects the trend: 90% of voters agree that students should receive age-appropriate and medically accurate sex education that begins in early and continues through the 12th grade.

Please do not increase funding for abstinence-only programs. Rather, use those dollars to fund comprehensive, medically accurate sex education programs that are proven effective.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
January 23, 2004

Background Information

Did you know?

The U.S. has the highest rates of teen pregnancy and births in the western industrialized world.
Each year, almost 1 million teenage women become pregnant in the U.S.
Teen pregnancy costs the U.S. at least $7 billion annually.

Every year, 3 million teens--about 1 in 4 sexually active teens--acquire an STD.
Approximately half of all new HIV infections occur in people under age 25.

Given this health crisis, it is critical that young people have access to accurate information and services in order to help them make responsible decisions about their bodies and their relationships.

The abstinence-only programs President Bush supports have received more than half a billion dollars in federal funding since 1996. To date, there is no scientific evidence to support claims that abstinence-only programs are effective. On the other hand, research clearly indicates that sex education that includes both abstinence and contraception is effective in reducing sexual risk-taking behaviors. The belief in abstinence-only programs is based on ideology, not science.