Congress will soon introduce an appropriations bill that funds the federal government through the end of Fiscal Year 2012. Unfortunately, this bill contains a $5 million earmark that would revive funding for obsolete abstinence-only-until-marriage programs.
This earmark contradicts the budget cutting message Congress constantly pushes on the American people. It is upsetting that politicians would decide to once again to waste taxpayers’ money by funding the now-defunct Community-Based Abstinence Education (CBAE) grant program that decades of research has shown to have no effect on teen behavior.
The removal of abstinence-only funding and the focus on comprehensive sexual education programs has greatly improved sexual health among American teens and has prepared them for a lifetime of responsible decision making. A reversion back to ineffective sexual education programs such as the abstinence-only program endangers our youth and hinders our nation’s ability to promote a responsible and comprehensive sexual education program.
The American Humanist Association supports sexual education programs that are based in a scientific understanding of the body and a realistic approach towards youth behavior. Comprehensive sexual education is vital to the health of our youth, and ineffective programs such as the abstinence-only program hinder our ability to inform and prepare them for a lifetime of decision-making regarding sexual activity. Please take a moment to contact your Representatives and Senators to oppose this earmark.
By supporting education programs that utilize the best available scientific and psychological information, you help to improve the lives of countless individuals. Please take action now.
Sincerely,
Roy Speckhardt
Executive Director