March 2009

Let's Talk About Sex

March 16, 2009, Newsweek

Congress loves abstinence-only programs so much it has thrown big bucks at them. The public? It's got better ideas.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that there is a deep schism in this country, a schism between those many Americans who support comprehensive sex education in the schools and an equal number who believe that only abstinence should be taught, between those who want teenagers to be told about masturbation and HIV prevention and the like, and those who believe they mostly need to hear that true love waits.

ABC's of STD's

Tallahassee, FL (WTXL)--Next month is STD awareness month and it's needed because STD rates are on the rise among teens.  According to the center for disease control each year, there are approximately 19 million new STD infections, and almost half of them are among youth aged 15 to 24. ABC 27's Lauren Dorsett takes a look at the prevalence of STD's among teens in our area, and the challenges in changing risky behavior.

Reject funds for 'abstinence only'

March 11, 2009, Sarasota Herald-Tribune

There is a crisis in Florida. Our young people face some of the worst sexual health outcomes in the country, but still the state accepts federal funding for abstinence-only-until-marriage programs. Florida received approximately $13 million in federal money in 2008 for these ineffective, harmful programs. A 2007 study, commissioned by the federal government, found no evidence that abstinence-only programs curb sexual behavior.

Healthy Teens Act Would Save Lives

To state Sen. Nancy Detert:

As chair of the Pre K-12 Education Committee, we understand that you have the sole discretion on whether to hold hearings on the Healthy Teens Act.

The Manatee County League of Women Voters believes passage of the Healthy Teens Act is crucial to the future of Florida.

New Report Reveals Young People in Florida Suffer from Negative Health Outcomes, Abstinence-Only-Until-Marriage Programs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                  CONTACT: Adrienne Kimmell, 941.923.5500
March 3, 2009

New Report Reveals Young People in Florida Suffer from Negative Health Outcomes, Abstinence-Only-Until-Marriage Programs

Sex-ed beyond abstinence

The "just say no" approach isn't working in public-school sex education. The Volusia County School Board acknowledged that this week, approving a switch to a sex-education program that emphasizes abstinence but includes crucial information about reliable means of birth control and disease prevention.

The board should have gone further -- a sentiment several board members seemed to share.