Emerging Answers Begs the Question
of Objectivity
Report skews public's understanding of abstinence education
Washington, DC (November 1, 2007) — The National Abstinence Education Association (NAEA) disputes the ideologically driven findings of Emerging Answers released today by The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancies. The report demonstrates an alarming bias that refuses to honestly acknowledge the achievements made by abstinence education.
"Dr. Douglas Kirby, the author of the research, is one of sex education's most noted advocates. He also serves on the staff of the company that publishes many of the sex education curricula featured in the study. If the monetary conflict of interest was not so blatant, perhaps Kirby's analysis would be more credible," said Valerie Huber, Executive Director, NAEA.
"This study, like most of the so-called comprehensive sex education programs it features, offers a very narrow definition of 'high risk' behavior, and gives the medically inaccurate impression that condoms make sex safe. This message fails our youth because we know that condoms do not protect from all STDs, and certainly do not provide a barrier for the emotional dangers young people encounter through casual sex," said Huber. "The study entirely misrepresents the abstinence education approach, and Dr Kirby fails to properly acknowledge the peer-reviewed studies that showcase the growing success of abstinence programs."
"Though abstinence education has received significant federal funding for less than a decade, studies already credit abstinence programs for delaying sexual initiation, discontinuing sexual behavior and reducing both the number of sexual partners and pregnancies among teens," said Huber. "Kirby has previously admitted that it took more than 10 years for comprehensive sex education to document any positive results, but failed to note that in his review."
"Successful abstinence programs from small towns in Georgia to large cities like Washington, DC, provide a green light for Congress to continue investing in America's teens. Kirby's study documented that not a single comprehensive sex ed program increased the knowledge of abstinence to teens. This tells us that through so-called comprehensive sex education, teens are only being taught one message, which is how to use condoms," said Huber.
"Teens deserve a better message, and abstinence programs deliver it," said Huber. "Abstinence education offers an holistic approach, teaching teens how to build healthy relationships, increase self-worth and set appropriate boundaries. Our message shares information about contraception, the realities of STDs and the best way to prevent them, all within the context that abstaining from sex is safest and healthiest choice teens can make."
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About NAEA:
The National Abstinence Education Association (NAEA) is comprised of leading abstinence educators and supporters who represent 1.5 million children across the U.S.
For more information: http://www.abstinenceassociation.org
To schedule an interview with NAEA Executive Director Valerie Huber, please contact Patra Stephan at 202-248-5420 or 202-246-3822.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Patra Stephan, Communications Director,
202.248.5420/
202-246-3822