Well no shit. The Society of Adolescent Medicine has just released a comprehensive report reviewing government-funded abstinence-only programs. And shockingly, it ain’t good.
James Wagoner, president of Advocates for Youth, says, "The report reads like an indictment. Abstinence-only is bad science, bad policy, and a blatant violation of medical ethics and basic human rights. Enough is enough. The time has come for Congress to declare an immediate moratorium on federal funding for these programs."
Here are some highlights from the report, which is published in the latest issue of the Journal of Adolescent Health:
"We believe that current federal abstinence-only-until- marriage policy is ethically problematic, as it excludes accurate information about contraception, misinforms by overemphasizing or misstating the risks of contraception, and fails to require the use of scientifically accurate information while promoting approaches of questionable value.""Abstinence-only programs threaten fundamental human rights to health, information, and life."
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This is a very valuable post and I thank you for it. That having been said, I can't help but think that accusing the new regime of engaging in practices so lacking in scientific truth as to be unethical and ordering them to stop is almost comical. I mean really - these people are hell bent on teaching Intelligent Design as a reasonable alternative to evolution. On the other hand ID is getting a pretty good bitch slapping lately so perhaps there is hope! Thanks for making us aware of this study.
i hear you, but i think it's important for us to use words like unethical and demand this shit to stop. proponents of abstinence-only ed are pushing it by saying it's the only moral, ethical, right choice. we need to call them on that. ethical is giving people accurate information that will help them become healthier, not potentially dangerous false information shrouded in moral righteousness.
Iron Hymen? There's an idea for a bad Japanese TV show.
If they are going to teach safe sex the should just go ahead and teach abstinence. sex with a condom is not very good, so why bother. regardless, i read absinence does not include oral or anal so there is still plenty of action to be had. Its a non issue.
I agree with Jessica, we do need to demand that abstinence only education be stopped! That is just the start. Besides abstinence only being taught in schools, the President is making other attempts to push back the clock on reproductive freedoms and thus hinder our choices even more. If this continues, not only will people be less educated about safe sex practices,they will not have access to them. An example of how bush is trying to accomplish this is through his nomination of Samuel Alito to Supreme Court Judge. If this nomination is approved, we will lose even more then we already have. Alito is not only anti choice, but he believes that some forms birth control such as the pill are abortifacients, meaning thst because they do not prevent fertilization that they are a form of abortion and should thus be outlawed. Are we prepared to lose access to birth control? I know that I am not! So what are we going to do about it?! You can call and/or e-mail your senators and let them know that you do not support the Alito nomination. Senators depend on these calls and e-mails to know how their constituents feel. They need to know that Alito isnot supported. Call the Senator switch board at 202-224-3121. This is very important, hearing for this nomination starts Monday, January 9th. Senators need to hear from you ASAP!
Where they planning on making something for boys? Dry Penis, anyone?