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States Say No to Abstinence Programs

Schools bail on sexless sex ed, even as more teens delay sex

By Peter Fearon, Newser Staff

Posted Jul 18, 2007 6:27 AM CDT

(Newser) – School sex education programs that concentrate on abstinence are under threat despite years of federal funding for organizations like Virginity Rules, the New York Times reports. Eleven states have rejected abstinence education in the last year and Congress cut program funding for the first time since 2001. A study of abstinence education found no indication that it delayed a first sexual encounter.

“The message will go on, whether the government decides to fund it or not,” insisted one leading proponent of abstinence programs. Ironically, as abstinence education wanes, teenagers are abstaining from sex in larger numbers for reasons that are not well understood. Those who are having sex are more likely to use contraception than previous generations.

(Index Stock)

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States Say No to Abstinence Programs

Schools bail on sexless sex ed, even as more teens delay sex

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Schools bail on sexless sex ed, even as more teens delay sex

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Like a Virgin

Planned Parenthood • sex education • Virginity Rules • abstinence education • abstinence

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Abstinence-Only States Have More Teen Pregnancy

Study shows big regional disparities

Women Don't Trust Palin on Abortion: Poll

54% of all voters think Planned Parenthood trustworthy; 24% think same of Palin

Women Reclaim Virginity Through Faith, Surgery

Growing number seek to stake a new claim to innocence

Abstinence Ed. Isn't Slowing Teen Sex

Celibacy-only programs have little 'positive impact,' study argues

Falling Teen Sex Rates Stall

Experts worry plateau could signal start of increased activity and more teen pregnancies

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Newser By Users

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What is Newser?