Sex Education in Public Schools
Issue Background
Federal funding of "Abstinence-only education," which is defined as sex education that focuses on the moral and physical benefits of abstaining from sexual relationships, began in 1982 with the passing of the Adolescent Family Life Act. Funding for Abstinence-only (abstinence-only-until-marriage) education was increased at the federal level in 1996, when congress passed a law that allocated $50 million dollars to its teaching.
The Obama administration has pledged to promote the the Prevention First Act which will shift federal funding to Comprehensive Sex Education, which is defined as sex education that includes abstinence as well as contraceptive education.
The Obama administration has pledged to promote the the Prevention First Act which will shift federal funding to Comprehensive Sex Education, which is defined as sex education that includes abstinence as well as contraceptive education.
Key Arguments
» Yes
- Comprehensive sex education gives students access to information about safe sex techniques. Students need this information in order to evaluate risk behavior.
» No
- Abstinence education provides students with a direct and unobstructed lesson. Contraception education confuses this message and encourages sexual behavior by advocating certain sex practices.
- Abstinence is the only 100% effective method for avoiding sexually transmitted infection and unwanted pregnancies.
