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| Bush pushes abstinence-only education |
| By Associated Press |
| Published: 02/16/2004 |
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The Bush administration is proposing to double spending on sexual abstinence programs that bar the discussion of birth control or condoms. A study by researchers at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on declining birth and pregnancy rates among teenagers concludes that prevention programs should emphasize abstinence and contraception. However, in Minnesota, a study found that sexual activity doubled among junior high school students taking part in an abstinence-only program. The independent study, commissioned by the state's health department, recommended broadening the program to include more information about contraception. Independent researchers who are studying abstinence-only programs for the federal government said in their first report two years ago that no reliable evidence exists whether the programs work. They are expected to issue an update soon. Bush would spend $270 million on abstinence-only education, compared with $100 million annually when he took office. The president also would move the programs into the same agency within the Health and Human Services Department that oversees religious-based programs and the president's proposal to promote marriage. Advocates say the shift is part of Bush's election-year appeal to conservatives. |
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