FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: |
CONTACT:
|
Bill
Barker |
| December 17, 1999 |
|
(202) 419-3420 |
Youth Advocates Applaud American Medical Association's Reaffirmation
of Condom Distribution Policy
AMA'S Ruling a Critical Step Towards Ending
Congress's Censorship of Sexuality Education for Young
People
WASHINGTON, DC (December 17, 1999) Advocates for Youth's President,
James Wagoner, today applauded the American Medical Association (AMA)
for taking a stand on the effectiveness of school-based
condom distribution. The AMA's policy acknowledges the reality that
70% of all U.S. teens have had sex by age 18.
Citing congressional programs that prohibit information on contraception,
Wagoner condemned the politics of censoring sexuality education. "Ignorance
is nobody's ally in the era of AIDS. What politicians need to realize
is that denying young people critical information about contraception
is not only naïve and short-sighted, but irresponsible and dangerous," said
Wagoner.
The AMA reinforced what various studies and extensive research have
already shown, that comprehensive
sexuality education—which teaches about both abstinence and contraception—is
the most effective sex education for young people. Those who receive
this kind of education are more likely to begin having sex later and
to use protection correctly and consistently when they do become sexually
active.
Wagoner calls on politicians to stop allowing their political agendas
to censor sexuality information from teens. "Despite high numbers
of teen births, HIV infection and teen abortion rates; despite the scientific
research that shows what works; Congress is still denying our young people
critical information about contraception that could protect their health
and save their lives," said Wagoner. "This is a classic case
of U.S. politicians putting their agendas before the health and needs
of our young people. And it has to stop," he continued.
"The research is clear. Young people need information about abstinence and contraception.
It's not either/or—they need both," said Wagoner.
Advocates for Youth is an international, nonprofit organization that
creates programs and supports policies that help young people make safe,
responsible decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.
###
Note to Editors and Producers: For more information
or to set up an interview with adolescent sexuality experts, please contact
Bill Barker at (202) 419-3420.
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