AIDS Taskforce
urges lawmakers to reject "abstinence-only" federal
funding

The AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland is urging lawmakers to "listen to the experts" about abstinence-only-until-marriage sex education programs and reject such programs in favor of comprehensive sex education.

The Taskforce is backing Ohio Governor Ted Strickland's decision to restrict abstinence-only funding.

"Gov. Strickland's decision reflects what many of the leading national scientific experts have been saying for the past several years," said Nathan Schaefer, Director of Education and Public Policy at the AIDS Taskforce.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association oppose the sole use of abstinence-only programs, which prohibit grantees from talking about contraceptives--except to discuss their failure rates.

A July 2005 paper from the American Academy of Pediatrics, stated that "current research indicates that encouraging abstinence and urging better use of contraception are compatible goals. Evidence shows that sexuality education that discusses contraception does not increase sexual activity, and programs that emphasize abstinence as the safest and best approach, while also teaching about contraceptives for sexually active youth, do not decrease contraceptive use.

Schaefer noted that many national organizations are urging lawmakers to adopt comprehensive sex education. Among these groups are the American Academy of HIV Medicine, the National Education Association, and the American Public Health Associaton. (The Advocate)