Congressional Hearing Showcases Intense Debate on Sex Education in America

Source: National Abstinence Education Association (NAEA) 

Research revealed proves abstinence education works

Washington, DC (April 23, 2008) In response to evidence revealed at today’s House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform hearing on abstinence education, the National Abstinence Education Association (NAEA) calls on Congress to put public health above politics and continue its investment in abstinence education programs.

Dr. Stan Weed, a leading researcher on youth behavior, provided to the Committee scientific evidence on the effectiveness of abstinence education.  Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS), who also served as a witness, called on his colleagues to recognize that abstinence education programs are in line with the needs of youth and the wishes of their parents.

“America finally had the opportunity to hear accurate information on this viable and effective approach,” said Valerie Huber, Executive Director, NAEA. “Still, there remains an intense divide on the issue of teaching teens about sex, despite the fact that scientific research is showing  abstinence programs are cutting teen sexual activity in half. We cannot let partisanship come before the health of our youth.”

Showcasing the depth of that divide, when asked by Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC) whether they would support abstinence education if scientific evidence showed it reduced pregnancy rates and STDs, an alarming five of seven panelists stunningly answered no. This ideological-driven response from a panel intended to represent the best interest of youth highlights the reluctance to accept the positive research of abstinence education programs from those who support other, even less effective, strategies.

Weed, who has interviewed more than 500,000 teens, articulated current research on the success of abstinence education and dispelled the myths surrounding it. Dr. Weed also brought a compelling challenge to the methodology of studies used to claim success for comprehensive sex education programs, approaches that are contraception-based in teaching.

“As a result of Dr. Weed’s thorough analysis of the research on so-called comprehensive sex education, it appears that it’s not just condoms that slip and break, but also the research that purports this approach,” said Huber.

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About NAEA:

NAEA serves and supports abstinence educators from 43 states who work with more than 1.5 million students across the U.S.

For more information:

http://www.abstinenceassociation.org

To schedule an interview with NAEA Executive Director Valerie Huber, please contact Patra Stephan at 202-248-5420 or 202-246-3822.