AdvanceUSA Blog - Abstinence

“Obama Admin Relents, Posts Pro-Abstinence Education Study After Complaints”

AdvanceUSA — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 18:09:40 GMT

“Abstinence and the Left”

AdvanceUSA — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 20:53:47 GMT

Why Attack What Works?

AdvanceUSA — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:03:43 GMT

Mona Charen reports on the effectiveness of abstinence education while Robert Rector warns of the attack on abstinence education.

“Abstinence Education Works After All”

AdvanceUSA — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 20:15:20 GMT

Linda Chavez reports.

“Senate Omnibus Bill Funds Planned Parenthood, UNFPA, Ditches Abstinence Ed”

AdvanceUSA — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:34:40 GMT

LifeNews reports.

New Movie Exposes Planned Parenthood’s Radical Pro-Abortion Agenda

AdvanceUSA — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 21:58:47 GMT

Find out about the upcoming movie called Blood Money. Watch the trailer here.

“Abstinence Money Goes by the Wayside”

AdvanceUSA — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 23:22:21 GMT

CitizenLink reports.

Congress and Obama Let Abstinence Funding Expire

AdvanceUSA — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:35:33 GMT

The Washington Times reports.

“Number of Unwed Mothers Has Risen Sharply in U.S.”

AdvanceUSA — Fri, 15 May 2009 20:21:11 GMT

The Washington Post reports.

“Barack Obama's Federal Budget Eliminates Funding for Abstinence-Only Education”

AdvanceUSA — Mon, 11 May 2009 19:44:07 GMT

LifeNews reports.

“Abstinence-Education Funding in Jeopardy”

AdvanceUSA — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 00:08:36 GMT

CitizenLink reports.

“Abstinence Education Funding Cut; Population Fund Gets $50M”

AdvanceUSA — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:29:29 GMT

CitizenLink reports.

“New Figures Showing Teen Birth Rate Rise Point to Need for Abstinence Education”

AdvanceUSA — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 19:25:54 GMT

LifeNews reports.

“House OKs Spending Bill With UNFPA-Forced Abortion Funds, Abstinence Cuts”

AdvanceUSA — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 03:07:12 GMT

LifeNews reports.

“Abstinence-Based Sex Education under Attack, even as Study Suggests Condom Failure”

AdvanceUSA — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 18:08:36 GMT

CitizenLink reports.

“Eight Traits Characterize Teens Who Abstain from Sex”

AdvanceUSA — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 01:43:39 GMT

CitizenLink reports. Abstinence is not just about sexual decisions. It also correlates with many other productive and responsible life choices.

“Teen Birth Rate Soars in 26 States”

AdvanceUSA — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 21:05:27 GMT

CitizenLink reports.

“Talking About Sex-Ed that Works”

AdvanceUSA — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 19:07:44 GMT

Kathryn Jean Lopez reports.

“'Comprehensive' Sex Education Sends Double Message”

AdvanceUSA — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 22:32:58 GMT

CitizenLink comments on a recent op-ed piece in the Washington Post about a school in Alexandria, Virginia with a serious teen pregnancy problem. An English teacher at the school writes about the dangerous incentives to become pregnant out of wedlock that are fostered in conventional “comprehensive” sex education programs. Excerpt from CitizenLink commentary:

At T.C. Williams, every student is required to take a "family life" course that teaches about birth control, sexually transmitted infections and teen pregnancy, Welsh writes. The Adolescent Health Center, which provides birth control to girls as young as 13, is just a few blocks from the school.

Yet girls continue to get pregnant. And taxpayer money continues to fund so-called "comprehensive" sex education, as well as abortion providers such as Planned Parenthood.

Sandy Pickert, executive director of the Abstinence Education Corp. in Wichita, Kan., told CitizenLink that kids receive a double message in "comprehensive" sex-education programs. They may be told abstinence is the best option to avoid getting pregnant, but they also receive plenty of information on contraception.

Read the full article in the Washington Post here.

AdvanceUSA Interview with Patrick Mangan

AdvanceUSA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:13:12 GMT

Daniel Herbster reporting

Citizens for Community Values of Indiana is one of the many great organizations in our nation fighting to protect family values and to oppose pornography and sexually oriented businesses. I had the opportunity to interview Patrick Mangan, the Executive Director of CCV of IN, about his work enabling people to take back their communities.

DH: Patrick, I’ve enjoyed getting to know you and your organization better over the last few months, so it’s a pleasure to introduce you to our readers here at AdvanceUSA Blog. I’ve seen first-hand how your work affects the state of Indiana and especially my home town of South Bend. Tell our readers what kinds of issues Citizens for Community Values works on?

PM: Well our mission is to protect men, women, and children from the misinformation of sexual activists, and the harms of sexual addictions, sexual predators, sexually oriented businesses, materials harmful to minors, broadcast indecency, and the porn/sex industry in all of its forms, by promoting the principles of the Judeo/Christian ethic which is the foundation of our nation.

Our vision is to empower concerned citizens and community leaders to significantly reduce sexual exploitation, promiscuity, and abuse in Indiana and beyond by:

Increasing public awareness of the harmful effects of pornography-inspired sexual promiscuity, addiction, and abuse particularly in the lives of children.
Supporting the enactment, defense, and enforcement, within the Constitution, of limitations on the porn/sex industry in all its forms.
Lovingly opposing the legitimacy of all extramarital sexual relationships.
Faithfully supporting the traditional family based on the premise that marriage equals one man and one woman.
Offering assistance to people suffering from the results of sexual addiction, sexual confusion, promiscuity, and sexual abuse.

DH: What have been some of your greatest achievements as an organization over the years?

PM: We have been successful in Indiana, Michigan, and Illinois, at placing constitutionally valid public health and safety restrictions on the porn/sex industry. The Mishawaka Adult Business Ordinance was upheld in Federal Court and before the 7^th Circuit Court of Appeals and has become a model for hundreds of communities across America. Eventually the porn attorneys abandoned their challenge to the US Supreme Court expecting the same outcome as in the lower courts. The adult business which challenged the ordinance later paid a fine of $25,000 for violating the ordinance. This has been a key strategy to closing or discouraging the opening of dozens of strip bars, massage parlors, and escort services in the region. A complete list of our community victories can be found at www.ccvindiana.com.

We have also been successful at “lovingly opposing the homosexual agenda” in the region and engaging activists at the University of Notre Dame. We have stopped special rights ordinances twice in South Bend. See www.nospecialrights.com to see the full dimension of our CCV NoSpecialRights.net Task Force efforts.

DH: Conservatives across the nation were excited to see all three state marriage amendments that were up for votes pass in 2008. Why is it so important to protect the traditional definition of marriage via legislation and state constitutional amendments?

PM: Marriage between one man and one woman is the fundamental building block of civilization. It certainly is the cornerstone of Western civilization and the United States of America. Leading scholars from respected Universities across the country offered this explanation in what has been dubbed the Princeton Principles at www.princetonprinciples.com:

The purpose of this document is to make a substantial new contribution to the public debate over marriage. Too often, the rational case for marriage is not made at all or not made very well. As scholars, we are persuaded that the case for marriage can be made and won at the level of reason. Marriage protects children, men, and women and the common good. The health of marriage is particularly important in a free society, which depends upon citizens to govern their private lives and rear their children responsibly, so as to limit the scope, size, and power of the state. The nation’s retreat from marriage has been particularly consequential for our society’s most vulnerable communities: minorities and the poor pay a disproportionately heavy price when marriage declines in their communities. Marriage also offers men and women as spouses a good they can have in no other way: a mutual and complete giving of the self. Thus, marriage understood as the enduring union of husband and wife is both a good in itself and also advances the public interest.

Ten Principles on Marriage and the Public Good

Marriage is a personal union, intended for the whole of life, of husband and wife.
Marriage is a profound human good, elevating and perfecting our social and sexual nature.
Ordinarily, both men and women who marry are better off as a result.
Marriage protects and promotes the wellbeing of children.
Marriage sustains civil society and promotes the common good.
Marriage is a wealth-creating institution, increasing human and social capital.
When marriage weakens, the equality gap widens, as children suffer from the disadvantages of growing up in homes without committed mothers and fathers.
A functioning marriage culture serves to protect political liberty and foster limited government.
The laws that govern marriage matter significantly.
“Civil marriage” and “religious marriage” cannot be rigidly or completely divorced from one another.

DH: Is it true that Indiana could have been a fourth state to have a marriage amendment on its 2008 ballot? Why did this not happen?

PM: Yes. At the urging of citizens, pro-family leaders, business leaders, scholars, and faith leaders, a bipartisan majority of elected Representatives in Indiana have repeatedly passed an Amendment to protect the definition of marriage, but have been thwarted from finally bringing it to the ballot for voter ratification, because Indiana Speaker of the House Pat Bauer (D) from South Bend has buried the bill in committee in its final step and not allowed there to be a vote on the floor. One man has been blocking this amendment reportedly for no other reason than he is afraid to have it on the ballot because he is afraid of a bipartisan conservative vote that could cost him and his party the control of the House. Playing politics with the definition of marriage and the heritage of Hoosier families is one of the most cynical and hypocritical actions I have ever witnessed form someone who dares to call himself a “public servant.” In my opinion, it has become his legacy and is one of the most obvious reasons why he must be removed as Speaker of the House.

DH: How was CCV of Indiana started?

PM: Our founders, Joe Sergio, Dennis Staffelback, Mike Hamann, and Michael Edwards established CCV on September 11, 1995 in response to the largest adult business in Indiana being opened on the south side of South Bend. As Dr. Sergio was praying and asking God to do something about the predatory business, God told him to do something. And Joe and his friends did. Thirteen years later, CCV of Indiana has been winning the culture war for the Heartland for over a decade and has become one of the most successful regional pro-family organizations in the country because of God’s grace and His people’s prayers and obedience.

DH: What are some of the common misconceptions regarding pornography and sexually oriented businesses?

PM: For years the porn sex industry has been engaged in a misinformation campaign that has caused many people to lower their guard. Unfortunately, the most vulnerable, the children, are being victimized at an alarming rate.

61% of all victims are under 18 years of age
Girls ages 12 to 15 are victims of violent crime at a rate 84% higher than the general public
Children ages 7-13 are at peak vulnerability for victimization
40% of imprisoned sex offenders reported that their victims were less than 12 years old
87% of child molesters studied admitted to regular use of adult pornography
57% of rapists studied admitted acting out on their victims what they saw in pornography
The average pedophile molests up to 60 children before they are caught the first time and up to 300 in their lifetime.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice 500,000 pedophiles reside in the United States! (Check your State’s Sex Offense Registry to see how many live in your community.)

This is not a victimless crime. And it is harmful to look at pornography. Ironically, an addiction that is focused on acts of sexual intimacy, often ultimately renders a person incapable of true intimacy and many sexual dysfunctions. For more information about the harms of pornography addiction go to our victim assistance website at www.victimassistance.info.

DH: How could our readers fight pornography and sexually oriented businesses in their communities?

PM: Contact us at Citizens for Community Values of Indiana through our website www.ccvindiana.com or call us at 574-247-9299 and become part of our growing network of informed citizens and prayer warriors. We can help you to protect the families of your community from the harms of the porn/sex industry in all of its forms and from sexual activists who will create great harms if left unchecked in your government, schools, and neighborhoods.

DH: What legislation are you watching out for on the local, state, and national level?

PM: We are carefully watching any attempts to advance the homosexual agenda through special rights legislation that harm everyone else’s constitutional rights such as “hate crimes” expansion and ENDA which are really little more than veiled attempts to criminalize Christianity.

We are supportive of pro-family legislation that will define marriage as the union between one man and one woman, and reject the fraud of civil unions. 30 States have now adopted Marriage Protection Amendments and we hope Indiana will be one of the next states to do so.

We are also concerned about President Elect Barack Obama’s promise to enact FOCA (Freedom of Choice Act) which could reverse 30 years of pro-life gains to reduce the national tragedy of abortion. FOCA would also empower organizations like Planned Parenthood to promote “how to” sex education to elementary school children, and would eliminate abstinence based sex education programs that do help protect our children from premature sexual activity and sexually transmitted diseases.

DH: Thanks for your time. Keep up the great work!

Note: The views of any interviewee do not necessarily reflect the views of AdvanceUSA.

“Condoms Trump Abstinence in Obama Global AIDS Policy”

AdvanceUSA — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 19:52:18 GMT

Bloomberg reports.

“Congress Renews Federal Funding for Abstinence Education”

AdvanceUSA — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 21:29:43 GMT

CitizenLink reports on this piece of good news.

“United Nations Study Shows Abstinence Education Lowering HIV/AIDS Rate”

AdvanceUSA — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:04:53 GMT

LifeNews reports.

AdvanceUSA Interview with Valerie Huber

AdvanceUSA — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 03:23:35 GMT

Daniel Herbster reporting

Abstinence education is often ridiculed as puritanical or ineffective. However, objective data shows just the opposite. Furthermore, parents are often the most ardent supporters of abstinence education because they know that casual sexual activity leads to emotional and physical scars and they want what’s best for their children. One organization seeking to advocate on behalf of abstinence education is the National Abstinence Education Association. I had the opportunity to interview Valerie Huber, who is the Executive Director of NAEA, about abstinence education and the NAEA’s Parents for Truth campaign.
The following is my interview with Valerie.

DH: Why is it so important to support abstinence education?

VH: On a number of levels, abstinence education makes a lot of sense. First, from a health perspective, our public health messaging usually puts emphasis on achieving the best health outcome. Whether we are talking about underage drinking, smoking or childhood obesity, the message focuses on avoiding those behaviors that put young people’s health at risk. In the area of sexual activity, our message for youth should mirror this same model, but unfortunately, the cultural message relegates the sexual health of youth to something much less than this ideal. We should not be content with merely reducing the risk to youth, but should insist on a strategy focused on eliminating all risk. Abstinence education fits within this risk avoidance paradigm.

On a practical level, the level of sexual activity among youth is trending downward and most teens who have experimented sexually, wish they had waited. This tells us that abstinence is a message that resonates with youth. They understand the benefits of waiting to engage in sex. Abstinence education provides the skills they need to succeed in that resolve.

Further, social science research abounds to show that abstinence until marriage is better for society, the involved couple and the child conceived from a sexual union.

DH: What are some common misconceptions people have regarding abstinence education?

VH: Anti-abstinence special interest groups have defined abstinence education by using gross misrepresentations. They imply that abstinence education doesn’t work, that it is unrealistic, and that it is a “just say no” approach, none of which are true. Growing research demonstrates that the approach is very effective in helping youth delay sexual debut or discontinue sexual activity. More and more teens are choosing to abstain, which shows that it isn’t teens who think the approach is unrealistic! Finally, abstinence education is a holistic strategy that is replete with skills building techniques in good decision-making, identifying healthy relationships, goal setting, refusal competencies, and self efficacy. Additionally, abstinence education may provide information about contraception, but the information is complete and accurate – demonstrating that abstinence is the only way to avoid all risks associated with sexual experimentation.

DH:   Is it true that parents are often strong supporters of abstinence education? Why do you think this would this be the case?

VH: Yes! We commissioned Zogby to survey parents across America on what type of sex education they wanted their children to receive. When parents really understood the differences between the two approaches, they favored abstinence education (as currently funded by Congress) by a margin of 2:1! And these are parent from all demographic groups, all ethnicities, and all points on the ideological spectrum. No one cares more deeply about the well being of children than parents, so it comes as no surprise that they strongly support abstinence education.

DH:   Abstinence education often gets criticized as being naive or ineffective. What kind of material is involved in a model abstinence education course? Is it more than just telling kids “just say no?”

VH: Abstinence education, as funded by Congress, is decidedly more inclusive than “just say no.” The term, “abstinence only” is strategically attached to this funding by opponents to create the false perception that abstinence education is a narrow and unrealistic approach. Abstinence education is overwhelmingly more comprehensive and holistic than other approaches and focuses on the real-life struggles that teens face as they navigate through the difficult adolescent years.

Abstinence education realizes that “having sex” can potentially affect a lot more than the sex organs of teens, but as research shows, can also have emotional, psychological, social, economic and educational consequences. That’s why topics frequently discussed in an abstinence education class include how to identify a healthy relationship, how to avoid or get out of a dangerous, unhealthy, or abusive relationship, developing skills to make good decisions, setting goals for the future and taking realistic steps to reach them, understanding and avoiding STDs, information about contraceptives and their effectiveness against pregnancy and STDs, practical ways to avoid inappropriate sexual advances and why abstinence until marriage is optimal. So, within an abstinence education program, teens receive all the information they need in order to make healthy choices. That’s a lot of information and skills packed into an abstinence curriculum! And all of these topics are taught within the context of why abstinence is the best choice. There’s nothing “only” about the abstinence approach!

DH:   I recently read a powerful article in the Washington Post by a Ugandan minister. Are you familiar with the progress Uganda has seen in fighting the spread of AIDS through abstinence and faithfulness training? Do you think the United States could learn something from Uganda?

VH: Certainly! While the cultures of the two countries are vastly different, we learn an important lesson from Uganda- behavior change is possible and when there is a saturation of the best health message promoting premarital abstinence, an improvement in the social norms, as well as a decrease in risk-taking activities, result.

DH:   How does the NAEA defend and support effective abstinence education?

VH: As a professional association, NAEA defends the field of abstinence education. We also are tasked with correcting misinformation regarding the approach – whether in the media or on Capitol Hill. In order for us to succeed, however, we need sympathetic citizens to join with us! We just can’t do it alone, but together we are stronger and more effective than the sum of our individual efforts.

DH:   Why are some people so violently opposed to abstinence education?

VH: It’s counter intuitive, isn’t it? Those who oppose abstinence education hold an underlying difference in what is considered appropriate or healthy conduct for youth. We side with the social science and health research that unequivocally demonstrates the value of premarital abstinence. Our critics believe sexual experimentation is normal, natural and to be applauded – at any age – as long as the partners are willing and they use a condom. We find such a position harmful to youth and we could never support such a position.

DH:   What is the “Parents for Truth” campaign?

VH: Unfortunately, too many parents are being misled about the type of sex education being implemented in their child’s school. That’s why we recently launched the Parents For Truth campaign. This campaign is designed to inform Americans of the real differences between abstinence education and so-called comprehensive sex education. It is also designed to unite parents to make a real difference in the type of education their children our receiving. We know that if 100,000 parents join with us in the Parents for Truth Campaign, (ParentsForTruth.org) we can better assure that abstinence education continues in schools across America, but it will take parents taking the time to join the campaign. I invite your readers to visit the site and begin by viewing a 3 minute video clip that exposes one of the most-recommended sex education curricula being implemented in communities across America. It will shock – and hopefully mobilize parents to action (www.ParentsForTruth.org/video).

Anti-abstinence groups are working tirelessly to implement provocative and dangerous sex education across America, but they are no match for parents, united on behalf of their children – if they indeed unite!

DH:   How could our readers find out more about the benefits of abstinence education, and how could they help the cause of abstinence education in their schools and communities? How can people support your organization?

VH: What a great question! As mentioned earlier, we encourage parents and concerned citizens to join with us in our efforts to support the health of youth through abstinence education. Opponents receive millions of dollars from liberal foundations, and as a result, have been pretty successful in pushing their dangerous agenda. If each of your readers would join Parents for Truth and personally encourage their family and friends to do the same, we could change the cultural climate regarding sex education in America, but we can’t do it without their help!

Readers also need to understand the nature of the debate in order to better support this initiative, so we invite them to not only visit the campaign website (www.ParentsForTruth.org), but also our organizational website (www.AbstinenceAssociation.org) where we have a large amount of information on the issue.

DH:   About what legislation are you particularly concerned?

VH: We track all legislation that deals with health or sex education or anything deemed as “reproductive health” issues.

DH:   Valerie, thanks for your time.

Note: The views of any interviewee do not necessarily reflect the views of AdvanceUSA.

PEPFAR Funding Bill OK

AdvanceUSA — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 17:48:37 GMT

Thanks to a bipartisan compromise, the Global Anti-AIDS bill being considered by the U.S. Senate today protects effective abstinence and faithfulness programs while protecting the conscience rights of religious organizations to accept funding without engaging in programs which violate their religious beliefs (ex: Catholic charities would not be forced to distribute condoms). The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops supports the legislation and the Bush Administration supports the bill and intends to sign it into law.

The amazing results seen in Uganda demonstrate the effectiveness of abstinence and faithfulness training as well as the importance of the involvement of religious organizations in fighting AIDS and other diseases in impoverished countries.

“Let My People Go, AIDS Profiteers”

AdvanceUSA — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 01:42:12 GMT

The Rev. Sam L. Ruteikara, the co-chair of Uganda's National AIDS-Prevention Committee, writes a moving piece in the Washington Post, showing that abstinence and faithfulness programs work and calling on politically correct Westerners to stop forcing condoms only programs on the suffering people of Sub Saharan Africa.

Uganda cut dramatically cut its AIDS infection rate from 26% in 1991 to 6% in 2002, and is a living testament to the effectiveness of abstinence and faithfulness education. Westerners should not recreate a new form of colonialism by imposing their secular values on Africa. The president’s original PEPFAR funding initiative, which protects abstinence and faithfulness programs, should be preserved.

Robert Knight comments on Ruteikara’s piece and on the Post’s bias against effective AIDS prevention measures in his pieces at Townhall entitled “Post Tells the Truth on 'Safe Sex' -- Then Ignores It.”

“Congress Extends Abstinence-Education Funding”

AdvanceUSA — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 01:01:46 GMT

CitizenLink reports. Unfortunately the U.S. Senate recessed for the Fourth of July without approving this crucial funding.

“Senate Cmte Cuts Abstinence Education Funds 25 Percent, Bush May Veto”

AdvanceUSA — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 17:43:21 GMT

LifeNews reports.

“Abstinence Education Proponents Prepare One Million Parent March”

AdvanceUSA — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 03:14:35 GMT

LifeNews reports.

In other abstinence news, a new website called ParentsforTruth.org is seeking to “giving parents a voice to support abstinence education.”

Abstinence Education: How Sense is Not-So-Common in Washington

AdvanceUSA — Tue, 06 May 2008 18:36:01 GMT

Rebecca Hagelin reports. Excerpt:

Who could argue with the idea that, when it comes to sex education, our teenagers should be taught to say “no”? Considering what’s at stake (their health, their future, their dignity as human beings, their morality) -- and because we love them and want what’s best for them -- nothing short of a clear-cut abstinence message will do.

At least, that’s how it appears out here in the Real World. In the rarified air of a congressional hearing room, it’s another matter. According to several witnesses (including John Santelli of the Guttmacher Institute, and Max Siegel of the AIDS Alliance for Children, Youth & Families) who spoke recently before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, abstinence education is not only impractical, it’s dangerous.

Read full article here.

Read the Heritage Foundation’s study on the effectiveness of abstinence education here.

“House Committee Hears Biased Report on Abstinence Education”

AdvanceUSA — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 20:31:22 GMT

CitizenLink reports.

LifeNews reports also.

“Brownback Testifies Before House Committee on Importance of Funding for Abstinence Education”

AdvanceUSA — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 17:35:49 GMT

AdvanceUSA thanks Sen. Browback for defending abstinence education in hearings being held today in the House of Representatives. Excerpt:

"Studies have shown that abstinence education is effective in decreasing the number of teen pregnancy and rates of sexually transmitted diseases among youth," said Brownback. "Clearly our current approach to sex education is not working; STD rates among teens are rising, and it is irresponsible of us to silence the abstinence message. We need more funding for abstinence programs, not less. Cutting funding to such valuable programs will only have negative results as we see teens, and even pre-teens, engage in risky sexual behavior."

Click here for more.

Abstinence Education Hearings and Heritage Foundation Study

AdvanceUSA — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 17:41:49 GMT

LifeNews reports that tomorrow’s hearings in the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee look like they will be stacked against supporters of abstinence education by the committee’s chairman Rep. Henry Waxman.

Click here to see if your representative is on this committee and if so, let him or her know that you want successful abstinence programs continued.

The Heritage Foundation has released a study today demonstrating the effectiveness of and continuing need for abstinence education.

Drop in Teen Pregnancy Indicates Abstinence Education is Effective and Should be Continued

AdvanceUSA — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 16:28:31 GMT

Janice Shaw Crouse explains how recent encouraging trends in teen pregnancy rates shows the value of abstinence education despite what proponents of so-called “comprehensive sex education” would have us believe. Excerpt:

There is still much to be done in changing attitudes and promoting the well-being of America’s young people, but teen sexual activity is down, teen pregnancies are down and teen abortions are down. That is great news from the cultural battle fields.

Over the past decade, we have offered our nation’s teens a bright future and expected the best from them. Not surprisingly, they have met the challenge and are seizing the opportunities to grasp all the possibilities available to their generation. Our national leadership needs to continue to keep faith with them by supporting abstinence education as clearly the best choice for their current and future well-being.

Her insight is very timely and relevant as Congress will soon hold hearings on whether to maintain abstinence education funding in the budget as LifeNews reports. Excerpt:

The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform plans the hearing for April 23 to supposedly review the effectiveness of abstinence education.

However, leading abstinence critic Henry Waxman will chair the panel.

He has repeatedly gone after abstinence programs with wild-eyed claims that they are rife with inaccurate medical data and unrealistic expectations.

Waxman has invited five witnesses to take the anti-abstinence side in support of comprehensive sex education and just one abstinence proponent.

“House Approves Global AIDS Program”

AdvanceUSA — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 19:03:00 GMT

The House of Representatives has approved a version of PEPFAR anti-AIDS funding that is much improved from the original version which would have mandated abortion funding, drastically cut back abstinence and faithfulness education, and weakened anti-prostitution provisions. Though significant improvements have been made to the bill, not all conservatives support the measure because of fiscal concerns over massive spending increases and concerns that there is insufficient accountability over how funds are spent. The bill will now go to the U.S. Senate.

Punished with a Baby?

AdvanceUSA — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 14:12:53 GMT

Barack Obama referred to being “punished with a baby” when confronted with a pro-life Democrat in Pennsylvania recently. Obama also disparaged abstinence education at the event. Politico has the details.

The Importance of Abstinence Education

AdvanceUSA — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 21:45:15 GMT

Janice Shaw Crouse, Ph.D., has a helpful column today about the importance and effectiveness of abstinence education and explains why radical leftist organizations and politicians are so determined to eliminate it completely. Congress should increase abstinence education funding, not cut it. Read Crouse’s article for more details. Excerpts:

It is incomprehensible that leaders of organizations working with teens would oppose abstinence. The increase in abstinence programs has been effective in reversing trends that some believed were irreversible. It is clear from my analysis of official data that abstinence education is behind the current decreases in teen births, teen abortion and the number of teens engaged in sexual activity.

While the left claims that abstinence education is a too-simplistic “just say no” campaign, the programs teach teens how to say “no” and give them the skills and character development needed for them to be able to say “no” effectively. And many teens need to learn that sexually active girls regret their early sexual activity — nearly two-thirds (63 percent) state that they wish they had waited to have sex.

…

Many teens don’t know the facts, and the comprehensive sex education programs do not inform them. A Maryland teenager, Stephen, was part of a conversation with friends who claimed that “everyone is doing it.” Stephen told them that, statistically, teens today are less sexually active. They were surprised; they had not heard that important fact in their so-called “full-coverage” sex education program.

Stephen summed up our view when he asked, “Don’t you think our sex ed programs should tell us that more and more teens are choosing to stay abstinent and how they are doing it?”

“Liberals Want Federal Abstinence Education Cut”

AdvanceUSA — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:36:24 GMT

CitizenLink reports. Excerpt:

“With 3 million teen girls infected with STIs, safer sex in adolescents does not exist,” said Linda Klepacki, sexual health analyst for Focus on the Family Action. “For the current and future health of teens, we must teach them how to have strong relationships not based on sex.”

The American Journal of Health Behavior published a study in January showing that students who receive abstinence education are 50 percent less likely to initiate sex. Furthermore, last year’s report by the federal Department of Health and Human Services showed that some comprehensive sex-education curricula taught in the nation's schools essentially have no impact on behavior.

Valerie Huber, executive director of the National Abstinence Education Association, said it is important to look at the growing body of research showing abstinence education as the only curriculum that successfully addresses teen pregnancies, STIs and the emotional consequences of teen sex.

Dr. Grosssman on STD Rates and How Most Conventional Sex Education Encourages Promiscuity

AdvanceUSA — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 03:04:06 GMT

Dr. Miriam Grossman, M.D. takes an insightful look at the recent statistics regarding female STD rates and uses her professional experience to explain some of the educational factors contributing to this crisis. Excerpt:

That so many American girls have a sexually transmitted infection should come as no shock. Rather, the shock should be at the madness in our country that we call sexuality education.

“Study: 1 in 4 Teen Girls has an STD”

AdvanceUSA — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 01:55:11 GMT

Many are stunned by the recent report that 25% of American teen girls have a sexually transmitted disease. Despite what many liberals and main stream media figures would have us believe, more (not less) abstinence education is part of the solution. CitizenLink reports that President Bush as urged Congress to increase crucial abstinence education funding.

“House Committee Reworks International HIV/AIDS Bill to Remove Abortion Funding”

AdvanceUSA — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 21:07:02 GMT

LifeNews reports. Furthermore, our friends in the House tell us that abstinence and faithfulness education will still be supported, and they are convinced that language allowing abortion promoting organizations to receive taxpayer dollars has been fully eliminated.

Our thanks to all who made their voice heard on this issue. Also, special thanks to Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Chairman of the House Pro-Life Caucus, for his tireless efforts to address the pro-life and pro-family concerns with PEPFAR.

Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ)

Rep. Scott Garrett “The Democrat’s PEPFAR Goes Too Far”

AdvanceUSA — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 20:08:00 GMT

Congressman Scott Garrett tells the truth about the problems with PEPFAR in his piece at Townhall. Check back with AdvanceUSA to find out how today’s committee markup went.

Live Streaming Video of PEPFAR Hearings and Mark Up

AdvanceUSA — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:41:16 GMT

The bi-partisan PEFAR anti-AIDS funding legislation is being marked up right now. To watch the hearings via live streaming check the website of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and click on the “Live Webcast” link in the lower right margin or click here.

Listening in around 11:30 one could hear Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) give an excellent defense of abstinence and faithfulness education for combating the global spread of AIDS. Let’s hope that no tax dollars will go to support abortions under this bill.

“Hijacking AIDS Relief to Promote Abortion, Why PEPFAR Isn't Broke”

AdvanceUSA — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 17:35:02 GMT

LifeNews relays Chuck Colson’s piece on the dangers in the current PEPFAR bill.

Vote on PEPFAR Abstinence and Abortion Funding Next Thursday

AdvanceUSA — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 20:20:42 GMT

The House Foreign Affairs Committee will vote on PEPFAR anti-AIDS funding reauthorization on Thursday, February 28. Call your representative today (especially if they serve on this committee) and urge him or her to vote against the PEPFAR legislation unless pro-abortion code words like “family panning” and “reproductive health” are removed and abstinence education and anti-prostitution language is maintained. LifeNews reports on the abortion funding aspect while the AP reports on President Bush’s statements urging lawmakers to preserve crucial abstinence and faithfulness funding.

Click here for more information on PEPFAR or check the AdvanceUSA home page.

PEPFAR Hearings Postponed

AdvanceUSA — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 18:00:41 GMT

AdvanceUSA has learned from friends in the House of Representatives that the Foreign Affairs Committee hearings on PEPFAR have been postponed until the “week of February 25.”

PEPFAR Update

AdvanceUSA — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 21:15:20 GMT

AdvanceUSA has learned that Rep. Tom Lantos (D-CA) passed away this morning from lung cancer complications. AdvanceUSA expresses its condolences to the family of Congressman Lantos, and is thankful for his willingness to serve his nation in Congress. The House Foreign Affairs Committee (which Lantos chaired) will likely postpone Thursday's hearing on PEPFAR until leadership and membership changes are made to the committee.

AdvanceUSA will continue to monitor the PEPFAR issue, and is encouraged that President Bush has indicated his opposition to the bill until the abortion and abstinence policy changes are removed.

Press Conference to Oppose Pro-Abortion, Anti-Abstinence Legislation

AdvanceUSA — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 20:55:57 GMT

LifeNews reports on a recent press conference held on Capitol Hill to oppose the current PEPFAR anti-AIDS legislation which contains anti-life measures. Bishop Harry Jackson, who attended the press conference, writes about it in his weekly column entitled “Let’s Keep Our Eye on the Ball.”

“House Republicans Say Proposed Democratic Changes in Global AIDS program Would Spur Abortions”

AdvanceUSA — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 17:49:02 GMT

As the AP reports, proposed changes to PEPFAR funding would side-step the crucial Mexico City Policy allowing tax dollars to support overseas abortions. The AP report also mentions that the Lantos bill would undermine ant-prostitution regulations and withhold funding from successful abstinence and faithfulness anti-AIDS education.

The Foreign Affairs Committee will likely vote on PEPFAR on Thursday, February 14. Be sure to contact members of this committee and urge them to preserve the crucial pro-life and pro-morality provisions PEPFAR.

PEPFAR Vote Next Week: Important Abortion and Abstinence Concerns Remain

AdvanceUSA — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 18:43:42 GMT

The House Foreign Affairs Committee markup for PEPFAR originally scheduled today has been postponed to next week. As currently written, the legislation undermines effective abstinence programs and mandates taxpayer support of overseas abortions. FRC has provided a helpful list of committee members. If your representative is in this list, be sure to encourage him or her to oppose any provisions which undermine the Mexico City Policy, allow tax dollars to support overseas abortion providers or proponents, undermine anti-prostitution regulations, or weakens support for successful abstinence and faithfulness education programs. If these concerns are not met, your representative should be encouraged to oppose the underlying bill. For more information on this issue check the PEPFAR blurb.

Liberals in Congress should stop endangering critical AIDS funding with attempts to advance their anti-life, liberal social agenda.