Federal legislation over the last two years has established grant programs that encourage states to provide education and other programs to "promote abstinence from sexual activity." The allotment for a welfare-related program is $50 million per year from 1998 to 2002. States must match every four federal dollars they receive with three state dollars.
Everyone concerned with preventing teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases agrees that it is important to encourage young people to abstain from sexual activity. However, the legislation mandates an "abstinence-only" approach that instills fear of sexuality and excludes discussion of topics such as contraception and the role of condoms in preventing sexually transmitted diseases. This approach denies the reality of sexual activity among American youth, and denies young people the information and encouragement they need to help them behave responsibly when they do become sexually active.
There is no evidence that abstinence-only programs are effective in postponing sexual activity or preventing teen pregnancy. Indeed, a review by the World Health Organization of 35 studies found that the programs most effective in changing young people's behavior are comprehensive programs that address abstinence, contraception, and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. SIECUS has expressed concern that federal funding for "abstinence-only" education will reduce resources available for educational programs that emphasize abstinence but are more comprehensive in scope.
July 15 was the deadline for states to apply for their share of the $50 million. A few states announced at first that they would refuse this funding because of the restrictions on its use, but recent reports say that all 50 states eventually applied. According to the Knoxville News-Sentinel (July 15), Tennessee applied for $600,000 in federal funds and would ask the community agencies that conduct programs under the grant to come up with half of the state's share of $425,000.
Tennessee's willingness to take the federal money and to use local resources to subsidize the "just-say-no approach" is not enough to satisfy the religious right, according to the News-Sentinel. The newspaper reported that the Family Institute, a conservative organization based in Nashville, charged that the state will divert funds from abstinence-only programs by allowing local health departments to influence the distribution of money within the state. The group complained that the health departments favor abortion rights and are hostile to "pure abstinence education." A Family Institute official was quoted as saying "If there's one group of people in this state that is hostile to pure abstinence education, it's the health department. They all tell you teaching abstinence just doesn't work. Those health departments have a relationship with Planned Parenthood." He said that the money should go to providers such as antiabortion groups that specialize in abstinence-only programs.
These allegations put state officials on the defensive. The state Department of Health denied any connection with Planned Parenthood and told the newspaper that the money would be used only for abstinence-only programs and for after-school and tutoring programs conducted by school systems and community agencies. They also emphasized that regional health councils, not local health departments, would select funding recipients.
Last Modified October 26, 1997