White House may seek funding for abstinence-only education

[snowdays]

Sorry if this is a repost but I missed it. I wonder if this is a trial balloon?
Drats. I will put my two cents worth into the WH website!!




http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/05/12/white-house-may-seek-funding-for-abstinence-only-education/

May 12, 2009
White House may seek funding for abstinence-only education

Posted: 12:46 PM ET

From CNN's Lauren Kornreich

WASHINGTON (CNN) - Although President Obama cut funding for abstinence-only sex education from his new budget, a White House official said Tuesday that some programs could eventually receive government money.

"The President is deeply committed to reducing levels of teen pregnancy and believes that parents, families, communities, and the government must come together to address this issue," a White House official told CNN contributor David Brody. "The budget increases overall funding for teenage pregnancy prevention, which may include education on abstinence, and supports programs based on research."

The official told Brody that 75 percent of funding for teen pregnancy prevention will go towards programs that are proven to lower rates, and that some abstinence-only education could qualify.

The official added that the rest of the funds will be directed to "promising, but not yet proven" programs which have given "some indication" of effectiveness in preventing teen pregnancy. "Those programs would have to agree to participate in a rigorous evaluation, and abstinence-only programs could qualify," said the aide.

The president's budget, unveiled last week, eliminated funding for Community-Based Abstinence Education," but allocated millions of dollars to "community-based and faith-based efforts to reduce teen pregnancy using evidence-based and promising models."

[Happyhippychick]

1. Wow! It's possible that funding might go to a program some day? This is NEWS!

[asphalt.jungle]

3. exactly

if an official had said that about some progressive cause there would be hell to pay. he basically said, "yeah it's possible that abstinence only education could get money in the future, anything that works could get money." what he didn't say was he was laughing on the inside at the thought of abstinence only education being proven to work EVER.

they made an article out of that bullshit?

[snowdays]

6. Yes, this IS news when the WH touts this out given at these programs are failures.

[Name removed]

7. Deleted sub-thread

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[eShirl]

2. how many times does it have to be proven, abstinence-only doesn't work

it actually increases teen pregnancy rates

[Me.]

5. Exactly

In a time of deep budget cuts, why put money into something that doesn't work?

[ClarkUSA]

9. Notice the wording of this announcement. It only applies to "proven" programs...

If no abstinence programs are working, then they won't get money. But the White House cannot discriminate against abstinence programs per say.

[DrToast]

13. Yep, Obama is being very fair...

He's telling the abstinence only crowd that if they can prove that it works, it can qualify for funding.

The ball is in their court.

[Me.]

14. The Proof Is In The Pudding

In order words, how do they determine, when abstinence only, overall, does work? Wasn't there a thread here on DU yesterday that said teen births are skyrocketing? I understand the president trying to broaden the tent but some ideas aren't to me, viable.

[LiberalFighter]

8. Most teenagers are stupid when it involves sex.

They rely on their friends for information. And where do their friends get the information?

How many believe they won't get pregnant:

The first time they have sex?

When they are standing up?

If they use a douche?

While having sex in a hot tub?

If they jump up and down immediately after sex?

If they both keep their underwear on?

Taking 20 aspirins after sex?

If they are on top of the boy when having sex?

If they sneeze after sex?

[Clio the Leo]

4. But he's not limiting it to JUST abstinence only.....

... as the article makes clear.

"The President is deeply committed to reducing levels of teen pregnancy and believes that parents, families, communities, and the government must come together to address this issue," a White House official told CNN contributor David Brody. "The budget increases overall funding for teenage pregnancy prevention, which may include education on abstinence, and supports programs based on research."

The official told Brody that 75 percent of funding for teen pregnancy prevention will go toward programs that are proven to lower rates, and that some abstinence-only education could qualify.

There is a BIG difference in funding existing programs that will help reduce teen pregnancy and limiting funding to ONLY organizations that promote abstinence only, as some in the GOP might like to do. The President is interested in programs that work ... and in SOME communities, particularly those who's faith principles are already established, abstinence only programs could be effective.

And to anyone who wants to cry outrage over the apparent mixing of church and state .... if you're complaining about this re: a matter that could help reduce the number of unplanned teen pregnancies, may I humbly suggest that you re-read the original intent of the separation between church and state. ;)

Your thread title is a bit misleading IMO.

[Name removed]

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[snowdays]

12. Hi . I am against funding for abst. only programs and hope

no funding goes to these programs --that do not work.
Can we have a discussion without you threatening me?

[redqueen]

15. Hahahahaha... threatening?

Enjoy your earnest 'discussion' of this possibility that may someday perhaps maybe happen.

[MarjorieG]

11. These may be family planning, more informative, but less confrontational name.

[Name removed]

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[Name removed]

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