Panel finds again that comprehensive sex education works

by Emily Bridges, Director of Public Information Services

An independent expert panel recommended comprehensive sex ed programs, finding that they help reduce risky sexual behavior, unprotected sex, and STIs.

"There is sufficient evidence that comprehensive risk reduction efforts are effective," said Randy Elder of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Like so many experts before them the panel did NOT recommend abstinence education, finding that there just isn't evidence to prove that it works.

Advocates for Youth's president James Wagoner welcomed the findings, saying:

"At long last, evidence and common sense have returned to public health policy," said James Wagoner of Advocates for Youth, a Washington-based group. "The task force report endorses the comprehensive approach to prevention that includes condoms and birth control. We should be spending taxpayer dollars only on evidence-based programs."

Yet incredibly, some legislators still believe taxpayer dollars should be spent on failed, harmful programs! Congress is still deciding whether or not to continue funding for abstinence-only programs. Let your Senator know that you won't stand for this waste of money.

Meanwhile, the abstinence clowns continue to do what they do best: lie.

"If you compare the statistical significance of outcome measures related to sexual activity and sexual intiation the data is better for the abstinence education program than the comprehensive program," said Valerie Huber of the National Abstinence Education Association.

What measures? What data? Studies and reviews have shown repeatedly that honest, accurate sex education programs are more effective than misleading, sexist, outright ridiculous ab-only programs. How long will the NAEA continue to distort the evidence and attempt to mislead the public?

Young people know that information about staying safe is a good thing. It's good to see the CDC acknowledging the science that proves it.