Arkansas
abstinence program comes under fire

The Arkansas chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union says it wants a review of abstinence programs that intend to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies in 26 school districts statewide. The group cited a report prepared for Democratic congressman Henry Waxman of California that found that many abstinence programs understate condoms' effectiveness in preventing disease and pregnancy, while they also promote gender stereotypes.

"We're not talking about the value of abstinence; we're talking about the value of information," said Rita Sklar, director of the state ACLU chapter.

One abstinence curriculum teaches that women need affection, honesty and openness, financial support, and a family commitment in a relationship, while men need women to provide them with domestic support, the ACLU said in a statement. "These biased messages have no place in our schools," it said.

While agreeing that information is key, Arkansas Family Council's Jerry Cox said the ACLU is showing its bias in singling out abstinence programs. "I'm sure a review would find some fault with other programs too," said Cox. In addition, ACLU should not be the judge of what is appropriate, he noted. (AP)