FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: |
CONTACT: |
Marcela Howell (202) 419-3420
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September 27, 2007 |
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NOT WORTHY OF SUPPORT?
Democratic Leaders Continue to Ignore
America's Youth
Statement by James Wagoner on the Extension of Title V Abstinence-Only Programs
WASHINGTON, DC (September 27, 2007) Yesterday, the House of Representatives voted to extend funding for the ineffective Title V abstinence-only-until-marriage program. The Senate is also scheduled to extend funding before the end of the week.
Last April, Mathematica Policy Research, Inc released the findings of a 10-year, congressionally-mandated evaluation of abstinence-only programs. The evaluation clearly stated that “Youth in the [abstinence-only] program group were no more likely than control group youth to have abstained from sex and, among those who reported having had sex, had similar numbers of sexual partners and had initiated sex at the same mean age [as the control group].” In short, the PROGRAMS DON’T WORK!
First, Congress funds the abstinence-only programs. Then, they commission a study that showed the ineffectiveness of the programs. Then, they ignore the findings of the study. And, now, they continue to fund the programs. Their actions defy logic and common sense.
By failing to eliminate abstinence-only programs, the Democratic leadership has signaled that, in their minds, political expediency trumps the health and well-being of America’s youth.
Teens deserve better policies. We all deserve better leaders!
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Advocates for Youth is a national, nonprofit organization that creates programs and supports policies that help young people make safe, responsible decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.
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