Abstinence-only education programs could lose federal funding in a new proposal from President Obama.
According to The Christian Post, the proposal would eliminate funding
for abstinence-only programs in the 2017 budget year. The programs
typically receive an annual $10 million grant.
The abstinence-only programs, run by the Department of Health and Human
Services, typically do not include information on birth control
methods, such as condoms.
"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 description for the Heritage Keepers
Abstinence Education.
Thus far, abstinence-only education programs haven’t commented on the proposal.
The Sexuality Information and Education Council of the U.S., however, issued a statement applauding Obama’s proposal.
“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.
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