Abstinence Only programs take back seat

[kpete]

Source: WZZM

Abstinence Only programs take back seat

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WZZM) -- The federal government is devoting millions of dollars to try to control rising teenage pregnancy rates. For the first time in more than a decade, programs that are not based on teaching abstinence will get federal funding.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced this week that $155 million in teen pregnancy prevention grants are being awarded to states, non-profit organizations, school districts, universities, and others. These grants will support the replication of teen pregnancy prevention programs that have been shown to be effective through rigorous research as well as the testing of new, innovative approaches to combating teen pregnancy.

Teaching abstinence has been the prevailing message, but one that has not gotten through to many kids. In Michigan alone, 44% of female and 47% of male teens admit to having sex before leaving high school. 3% and 7% respectively say they've had sex before the age 13.

"Our kids are at risk and we have to deal with their real lives. All of us would like to pretend that just say no will be acted upon so we turned it around and said just say know. K-N-O-W because education, medically accurate information, the chance to practice some decision making and communication skills and support for what is happening in their lives is critical for kids," said Jan Lunquist, the VP of Education and Community Services for Planned Parenthood of West and Northern Michigan. "Comprehensive sex ed goes beyond that and says you need to know how to protect yourself. So you need to know how to use condoms. It doesn't mean we are saying go out and have sex but we all need information before we need the information."

Read more: http://www.wzzm13.com/news/news_story.aspx?storyid=133617&catid=14

[RKP5637]

1. When I was a kid over half a century ago people tried to deny sex existed in

the US and here we are all these years later with some still having the same crappy notion, afraid of sex as a bodily function and in denial that anything sexual applies to kids.

Abstinence Only programs are based on pure ignorance. It's great to see the gov. is getting smart on this. I'm sure if the R's are back in they will try to take us back to the 18th century, at least.

[TheCowsCameHome]

2. No abstinence in the back seats, when I was a teen.

Motels were too expensive.

[TheCowsCameHome]

3. Dupe - too excited. Sorry.

[AlbertCat]

4. delete

***

[rug]

5. They should be shown the back door.

[RKP5637]

13. Back door sounds good to me!

:)

[Devil_Fish]

15. yup, using the back door is an almost positive way to prevent pregnancy.

STD's not so much....

[AlbertCat]

6. Expecting abstinence has nothing on....

...MILLIONS OF YEARS OF HORMONAL EVOLUTION

It may be frowned upon in our society, but in nature, which has millions of years up on societies... in nature teenagers are SUPPOSED to be having sex. Kids need help growing up, not help pretending what's happening to them isn't happening.

Who wants them to be as immature as evangelical parents???

[RainDog]

7. reduce harm

this is my mantra these days, I suppose.

it's the opposite tact that the religious right takes in regard to people in this nation - and around the world, for that matter.

of course it's better to wait to have sex until you're in a stable relationship - but that doesn't always happen. it's better to not have teenagers who are not suited to be parents use contraceptives rather than bring a child into this world that they are not prepared to raise.

it's so, so simple.

if your religion opposes contraception - don't use it. but don't stop others from making rational decisions based upon their scientifically-founded beliefs.

[no_hypocrisy]

8. First class of sex ed in '75: teacher told us he knew 1/2 of us were already "doing it" and

his job was to teach us how to prevent STDs and how to prevent pregnancy.

He did a damned good job . . . .

[defendandprotect]

9. It's immoral and criminal NOT to educate children re normal human sexuality ... birth control....

and supplying condoms and all the information kids need!

There should be NO funding for "abstinence only" disinformation -- !!

[groundloop]

10. Good. Yet another positive result from the adults being in charge again.

It's all the cumulative, non front page news like this that adds up and makes our country better. This is the reason we cannot afford to let the Greedy Obstructionist Party take back congress next month.

[Iggo]

11. Sorry but 'back seat' does not count as abstinence.

:P

[undeterred]

12. Back seat used to be for making babies.

[KurtNYC]

16. well now the back seat is for abstinence. The front seat is for doin' it.

apparently

[Kablooie]

14. Do I get a refund for my Abstinence Only class fees?

Darn! I was so looking forward to learning how to do this.
Now I'll have to keep on having sex.
Life is such a misery.