CDC Data Shows Abstinence Education Works
Washington, DC (November 5, 2009) — Abstinence education is delaying sex among teens. Data from an analysis conducted by the CDC shows positive evidence that abstinence education is delivering an effective message. These positive findings should be incorporated in any policy designed to reduce teen sexual activity in our nation,” noted Valerie Huber, Executive Director of NAEA. “This is a time to assess what is working and capitalize on solutions that make a difference in the lives of youth.”
The positive results came from 10 different studies by six different authors. Two members of the CDC panel of consultants for the analysis reported that the abstinence education programs in the study produced a statistically significant reduction in teen sexual activity for periods averaging at least one year.
The policy implications for these findings argue for a continuation of abstinence education funding raising questions about the advisability of end such programs. At the very time that this encouraging evidence emerges on what works for teens, Congress and the Administration have zeroed out all funding for abstinence education in their 2010 budget.
“The NAEA sincerely hopes that policymakers will be persuaded by scientific evidence. We need to reach teens. We need to find strategies that work, rather than fanning the flames of an ideological war over sex education. The CDC data tells us that abstinence education is successful at helping teens delay sex.”
The CDC Minority Report is published at www.InstituteResearch.com. A PDF of the report can be found here.
About NAEA:
The National Abstinence Education Association (NAEA) is comprised of leading abstinence educators and supporters who represent 2 million youth across the U.S.
For more information:
www.abstinenceassociation.org or www.AbstinenceWorks.org
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Contact:Rachel Turner
404-285-1876