Bush pushing abstinence-only education
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| Fri, 02-13-2004 - 1:33pm |
2/13/2004 8:24 AM
By: Associated Press
WHITE HOUSE -- The Bush administration wants to double spending on school sex-education programs that teach abstinence, with no discussion about birth control or condoms.
The proposal comes despite a lack of evidence that such programs work. There is even specific evidence that they don't work.
An independent study commissioned by the Minnesota health department has found that sexual activity doubled among junior high school students who took part in an abstinence-only program.
And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says declining birth and pregnancy rates among teen-agers during the last decade are attributable to both abstinence and contraception.
A person who helped write the administration's abstinence education program said the Minnesota study is unscientific and says the CDC didn't give enough credit to abstinence.
http://www.news8austin.com/content/headlines/?ArID=97850&SecID=2

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It is a tough issue, but it doesn't have to be.
Re-reading this-its all about funding-$$$$$. Schools can still teach it-they just wont get the $$$. As a teacher, schools dont get enough money for ANY program-be it science, vocational, etc. So, having the experience of funding-or lack of it-this isnt going to make a difference. You can still teach it without the $$$.......
Now, I still think its the parents job to teach sex ed, and I said it was a shame that some dont-including my own parents. But I graduated high school, went on to graduate college and grad school. Married, and then 4 years later had my children. All this and being sexually active at age 18. But, on my own I made the decision to use birth control. I was just lucky I guess(?). I know that my children will learn ALL available options from me.
Again, this lack of funding doesnt mean a thing. Schools have been doing without it for years. Been there.
Ok, how about human beings aren't *just* animals, in that we have enough self-awareness to decide to set aside physical reactions for a greater benefit.
>>>I do think abstinence is a viable option, but it isn't the ONLY option, so people need to be educated about all kinds of birth control. <<<
I don't disagree. My point is that I get so sick and tired of people dismissing the idea of teaching absinence as part of a comprehensive sex education program. And not just "condoms, pills, oh and I guess you could abstain." But really giving young people the tools to postpone an activity they are *not* emotionally mature enough to handle. And creating a community in which that choice *is* respected, both by words and actions.
Sexual responsibility is more than just using a condom. It's knowing yourself, you boundaries, and your values. And if we say that we need to teach kids about birth control because some parents don't, then we need to teach kids these other elements of sexual responsibility. Believe it or not, that's what a lot of conservatives want to do. But, it's far easier to have fun Bush bashing, or to pander to the "Family Values" audience than to constructively engage, and our children are the worse off for it.
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