Published August, 2010
Letter to Eliminate Title V funding for the abstinence-only-until-marriage program for Fiscal Year 2012
This letter is a call from local, state, and national HIV and adolescent sexual health organizations to eliminate funding for the Title V abstinence-only-until-marriage program in FY2012. The letter was sent to Acting Director Zients of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) (which is the attached letter below); Director Tchen, Office of Public Engagment; Director Crowley, Office of National AIDS Policy; Secretary Sebelius, Health and Human Services; Commissioner Samuels, Administration for Children and Families; and OMB Income Maintenance Branch Chief Smalligan. Pointing to the lack to scientific evidence for the effectiveness of abstinence-only programs, this letter suggests that federal funds may instead be better spent on evidence-based educational initiatives aimed at preventing unintended pregnancy and the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as HIV/AIDS. The letter establishes that a less rigid definition of acceptable behavior and support of a more comprehensive public health strategy is in the best interests of young people today.
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