New sex ed funding ends decade of abstinence-only

[Skwim]

MIAMI – For the first time in more than a decade, the federal government is funding sex education programs that aren't based solely on abstinence. But they're not just about handing out condoms, either.

Beginning this school year, a five-year, $375 million grant is being divided among 28 programs that have been proven to lower the pregnancy rate among participants, no matter their focus. Many programs distribute condoms, but about half also aim to boost teens' academics, get them involved in extracurricular activities and even improve their parents' job status.

Advocates believe this "above the waist" approach gives kids the tools to help them succeed in school and make better life decisions, especially about sex.

"There's a growing realization that we have to talk to young people about relationships. It's not just body parts," said Bill Albert, the chief program officer for The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy.

That theory, which has become popular in the safe-sex community in the past decade, will replace the abstinence-centered talks funded by a Republican Congress in the late 1990s and later under President George W. Bush to the tune of $1.5 billion
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[Sunstone]

There's still about $250 million in abstinence only funds still on the table. But there's a movement to repeal the authorization of those funds. Abstinence-only isn't dead yet - Sex Education - Salon.com

 

[dust1n]

Well once that 250mil is blocked, we might actually see a decent chunk of the student population who actually understand, to some level, the intricacies of intimacy.

 

[Sunstone]

Well once that 250mil is blocked, we might actually see a decent chunk of the student population who actually understand, to some level, the intricacies of intimacy.

One can always hope.