Don't let Bush play politics with teens' health
President Bush wants to double federal funding for unproven, risky "abstinence-only" programs, once again putting far-right political ideology ahead of common sense and sound science. But this time, his policy will put adolescents at risk of pregnancy, STDs, and HIV/AIDS.
Abstinence-only programs censor information about contraception, have never proven effective, and put young people at risk. By substituting misinformation and myths for facts about contraception, these programs leave young people without the information they need to protect health and avoid pregnancy.
In contrast, responsible sex education encourages abstinence but also provides complete, unbiased and accurate information on contraception and STD/HIV prevention. Medical experts, including the American Medical Association, the National Institutes of Health, and the American Public Health Association, support responsible sex education, not abstinence-only programs. And parents overwhelmingly support responsible sex education and oppose censorship in abstinence-only programs.
Responsible sex education works. Abstinence-only programs are totally unproven. Ask Senator leaders to oppose this irresponsible and dangerous use of our taxpayer dollars!
Dear Senator,
I am writing to urge you to oppose any increases for unproven "abstinence-only" programs in the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education funding bill.
[Your personal comments]
We are already spending $138 million a year on these programs, which actually censor teachers and deny students accurate information about contraception and STD/HIV prevention strategies. Without complete and accurate information, some teens therefore may forgo contraceptive use, putting teens at risk of pregnancy and STDs, including HIV.
Again, I urge you to oppose any increases in funding for these programs. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
