American President Barack Obama recently proposed cutting federal funds for Christian abstinence-only sex education programs that are organized by the Department of Health and Human Services so that the money could be channelized for other pertinent programs. The removal of funding for the abovementioned programs are among many other cuts suggested by Obama for his fiscal year 2017 budget. So far, the funding has been received in the form of a yearly $10 million grant.
Abstinence-only sex education programs typically leave out information about condoms and other kinds of birth control. Yet, implementers of these programs say that they are highly effective in positively affecting the sexual conduct among teenagers.
One particular abstinence-only program titled “Heritage Keepers Abstinence Education,” that has been approved by HHS, flaunts its apparent effectiveness on its website.
“The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recognizes the “Heritage Keepers® Abstinence Education” program as a proven effective, evidenced-based intervention that reduces sexual initiation among teens as well as other positive research findings that impact the health and well-being of youth,” reads the program description.
Officials of Heritage Keepers further highlight that theirs is the first abstinence-until-marriage sex education program to have been included on the federal list of recognized pregnancy prevention programs.
The Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS) shared a strong opinion on Obama’s proposed cuts. The abstinence-only project, according to SIECUS, is a pointless effort that has already cost taxpayers close to $2 billion.
“SIECUS is grateful for President Obama's leadership in seeking to end abstinence-only-until-marriage funding once and for all. After three decades and nearly $2 billion in federal spending wasted on this failed approach, the President's proposed budget increases support for programs and efforts that seek to equip young people with the skills they need to ensure their lifelong sexual health and well-being,” said SIECUS's vice president for policy, interim president and CEO, Jesseca Boyer. “SIECUS also applauds the President's proposed $4 million increase for the “Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program,” helping communities implement evidence-informed and innovative strategies to support the sexual health of our nation's youth… The continued funding for the Division of Adolescent and School Health –and request for future Personal Responsibility Education Program funding– demonstrates this administration's commitment to secure the right to quality sexuality education for young people.”
SIECUS stressed that in the beginning of November 2007, the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy released a report titled “Emerging Answers,” which was authored by renowned sexual health researcher Douglas Kirby, detailing what programs work in avoiding teen pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases; such as HIV. According to that report, abstinence-only-until-marriage programs showed no positive impact on teen sexual behavior.
While commenting on the budget proposal, HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell, said, “I actually believe the budget is not just a document about revenues and outlays –of which it is that– but it states our nation's values, and in detail, it shows how together we can actually realize those values.”
She said that Obama's budget proposal succeeds in achieving just that.
“It shows how we can make the key investments in our nation to guarantee an economy that works for everyone,” she said.
Photo Credits: Left Wing Nation
