Obama Nixes Federal Funds for Abstinence-Only Sex Ed

categories: Education Politics, Religion and Education, Student Rights

Published May 08, 2009 @ 12:50AM PT

A very modern "Amen" to this one. Obama's fiscal year 2010 budget eliminates federal funding for teaching abstinence-only sex ed:

Instead of promoting abstinence ed, Obama is proposing a new teen pregnancy prevention initiative that supports "evidence-based" and "promising" models. Once again, Obama is reversing policies set in place under President Bush, who asked for more than $100 million in funds last year for abstinence-only programs. Several states opted to turn down federal funds rather than be forced to forgo contraception education in public schools.

The new budget includes $50 million in funds for states to use for teen pregnancy prevention programs. What's not clear, though, is which comprehensive sex education programs will be funded. There's quite a bit of difference among them, with some far better than others. It's also not clear how "evidence-based" will be defined. Just how many studies are needed to determine if a program is effective? And how few are needed to deem a program "promising"? You can see the full budget here; scroll down to page 39 to see the part about teen pregnancy programs. (source)

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Hurrah!!

Posted by Christal Watts on 05/08/2009 @ 08:06PM PT
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This is without a doubt a monumental step in the right direction. For years, scientific studies into the effectiveness of 'Abstinence Only' programs have confirmed that they are ineffective. Teenagers who are exposed to these programs are just as likely to have pre-marital sex as teenagers who are not. The key difference is that those who are given 'Abstinence Only' education are less-likely to use contraception, are more likely to get STD's, and sadly studies have shown increased rates of teen pregnancies in these communities. 'Abstinence Only' sexual education is not a rational, scientific, or effective way of reducing these problems. Students deserve to be taught the truth, that they have options, that they should refrain from promiscuous behaviour, but if they do they should ALWAYS use protection. This is the most practical and effective way of keeping teenagers informed and to encourage intelligent, responsible decisions.

Posted by Alan Haggard on 05/09/2009 @ 04:04PM PT
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Clay is an American high school Humanities teacher, technology coach, and Apple Distinguished Educator who has taught for the last eight years in Asian international schools. According to law, he's married to his wife. According to his wife, he's married to his Mac.