Stop Funding Dangerous Programs

Senate Committee Denies Added Funds for Abstinence-Only Programs; Vote Shows Support for the Health and Safety of America's Teens

WASHINGTON, DC — Yesterday Senate Appropriations Committee members showed they valued the health and safety of America's teens by refusing to dramatically increase funding for abstinence-only-until-marriage programs. Abstinence-only programs deny teenagers medically accurate information about birth control and about preventing sexually transmitted infections. Studies have shown that teens who participate in abstinence-only programs are less likely to use contraception when they become sexually active than peers who receive medically accurate sex education.

"Congressional funding for abstinence-only programs wastes taxpayer money on programs that don't work and endanger teens," said PPFA Vice President for Public Policy Stephenie Foster. "American families deserve education programs that will keep their teens safe — programs that include information about abstinence as well as contraception, healthy communication, responsible decision making, and prevention of sexually transmitted infections."

In the last decade, more than $1 billion has been spent on ineffective and inaccurate abstinence-only programs. Planned Parenthood, along with other national, state, and local organizations that care about our nation's teens, sent a letter to Congress opposing further funding for abstinence-only-until-marriage programs.