Changes

The new Democratic-controlled Congress wants to abolish abstinence-only [[sex education]] programs, arguing that fornication is the norm (i.e., inevitable).  

The new Democratic-controlled Congress wants to abolish abstinence-only [[sex education]] programs, arguing that fornication is the norm (i.e., inevitable).  

Studies of the effectiveness of abstinence programs have yielded differing conclusions. A 2004 study by a self-described "conservative think-tank"<ref>[http://www.heritage.org/about/ The Heritage Foundation: Our Mission] "Founded in 1973, The Heritage Foundation is a research and educational institute - a think tank - whose mission is to formulate and promote conservative public policies based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a strong national defense."</ref>  found that virginity pledges significantly reduce premarital sex without putting backsliders at risk. <ref> Teens Who Make Virginity Pledges Have Substantially Improved Life Outcomes

Studies of the effectiveness of abstinence programs have yielded differing conclusions. A 2004 study by the Heritage Foundation (a self-described "conservative think-tank")<ref>[http://www.heritage.org/about/ The Heritage Foundation: Our Mission] "Founded in 1973, The Heritage Foundation is a research and educational institute - a think tank - whose mission is to formulate and promote conservative public policies based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a strong national defense."</ref>  found that virginity pledges significantly reduce premarital sex without putting backsliders at risk.<ref> Teens Who Make Virginity Pledges Have Substantially Improved Life Outcomes

by Robert E. Rector, Kirk A. Johnson, Ph.D., and Jennifer A. Marshall

by Robert E. Rector, Kirk A. Johnson, Ph.D., and Jennifer A. Marshall

Center for Data Analysis Report #04-07 [http://www.heritage.org/Research/Abstinence/cda04-07.cfm] </ref> A 2007 study by a self-described "nonpartisan research firm" found that "the programs had no effect on the sexual abstinence of youth. But it also finds that youth in these programs were no more likely to have unprotected sex."<ref>[http://www.mathematica-mpr.com/abstinencereport.asp Impacts of Four Abstinence Education Programs]</ref><ref>

Center for Data Analysis Report #04-07 [http://www.heritage.org/Research/Abstinence/cda04-07.cfm] </ref> A 2007 study by Mathematica Policy Research (a self-described "nonpartisan research firm") found that "the programs had no effect on the sexual abstinence of youth." But, like Heritage, it found that "youth in these programs were no more likely to have unprotected sex."<ref>[http://www.mathematica-mpr.com/abstinencereport.asp Impacts of Four Abstinence Education Programs]</ref><ref>

$1bn 'don't have sex' campaign a flop as research shows teenagers ignore lessons, The Guardian [http://www.guardian.co.uk/usa/story/0,,2058066,00.html]</ref>

$1bn 'don't have sex' campaign a flop as research shows teenagers ignore lessons, The Guardian [http://www.guardian.co.uk/usa/story/0,,2058066,00.html]</ref>