Lawmakers Challenge the Effectiveness of Abstinence-Only Education

by Elizabeth Lombino · 2011-04-02 07:51:00 UTC
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Our nation is potentially one step closer to seeing an end to Abstinence-Only Education.

Earlier this month, legislation was re-introduced in Congress seeking an end to this limited form of sexuality education. The bill is entitled the "Repealing Ineffective and Incomplete Abstinence-Only Program Funding Act." That about sums it up.

The annual funds already earmarked for Abstinence-Only Education Programs would be redirected to "evidence-based, comprehensive sex education programs." The bill is sponsored in the Senate by Frank Lautenberg (D-New Jersey) and in the House by Barbara Lee (D-California).

The bill will face a tough fight. Many conservative lawmakers have been on a war-path to stop funding many family planning programs. This means funding cuts to all community based clinics that provide health care services to low income women and families. HIV testing, cancer screenings, family planning counseling, condom and other birth control distribution... it's all in jeopardy.

So of course this bill will not be well received by many of these same politicians. Yet here is the irony: some GOP congress members and more conservative Democrats are fixated on Abstinence-Only Education. They are against any form of education related to providing sound guidance and evidence around safer sexual practices. They are against providing effective strategies to prevent HIV, STIs and unplanned pregnancies. Yet, without this education, many young people are bound to be at a greater risk of facing any or all of these issues. Indeed, because they have not received adequate education, they are now the very people trying to access the family planning services that some lawmakers are now trying to banish.

How does any of this make any sense?

In addition, it's clear that Abstinence-Only Education does not work. In 2007, Congress released the results of a national study showing the effectiveness (or rather, the lack thereof) of this form of sexual health education. It showed that Abstinence-Only Education does not prevent young people from having sex. Further, as I noted in a previous post, young people are at an even greater risk of becoming infected with HIV and other STIs in states where the focus is on Abstinence-Only Education.

Tennessee is one such state. For students living in this state, HIV/AIDS education is "optional." Please join us in demanding the state educational system make this crucial form of education part of all each school curriculum.

We will continue to watch the events of the "Repealing Ineffective and Incomplete Abstinence-Only Program Funding Act." Our nation needs to see an end to this ineffective and dangerous form of sexual health education.

Photo Credit: Rich Lombino

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