Abstinence-only education does not work. This is beyond a doubt: test after test, study after study show that it does not lower pregnancy rates, nor lower the amount of sexually transmitted diseases, nor does it change the average age when sexual activity begins. And the feds have funded it to the tune of over a billion dollars over the past 20 years. Several health experts and scientists testified before Congress recently, once again saying these obvious truths:
"Those adolescents who choose to abstain from sexual intercourse should obviously be encouraged and supported in their decisions by their families, peers and communities. But abstinence should not be the only strategy that is discussed," [American Academy of Pediatrics member Dr. Margaret ] Blythe said.
A logical course of action and a thoughtful statement. However, how do you think Rep. John Duncan (R-TN) responded to this? He said
... it seems "rather elitist" that people with academic degrees in health think they know better than parents what type of sex education is appropriate. "I don't think it's something we should abandon," he said of abstinence-only funding.
And there you have it. The antiscience bigotry is now out in the open for all to see. Experts with decades of total experience in the field, studying teen habits, observing and testing their reactions to abstinence-only programs versus other methods... they're elitist. Wow. Someone ought to tell the Congressman to face it: these experts do know more than most parents. That's what studying does: it makes you learn. That's why they're experts. I almost have to admire Representative Duncan. Such obstinance and stubborn refusal to look reality in the eye, to even admit reality exists... it's so pure and unadulterated adherence to dogma that it's almost artful. Is it too much to ask that one of the governing bodies of the United States of America be occupied by people who understand how reality works? Maybe if I say please?
