Sponsored by: Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ)
Summary: Currently, no federal funding exists for comprehensive sex education in public schools. However, three separate federal programs support abstinence-only programs, and since 1996 these programs have received more than $1.5 billion in taxpayer dollars. The REAL Act would provide funding to states for medically-accurate, comprehensive sexuality education that emphasizes the benefits of abstinence while also teaching about contraception and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
PPNT Position: Support — Abstinence-only programs simply are not effective. In fact, the government's own study into abstinence-only programs found that these programs have no effect in reducing teen sexual activity. Research on medically-accurate, comprehensive sex education, however, has shown these programs can help teens delay sexual activity, and increase contraception and condom use if a young person does become sexually active. The REAL Act would provide critical funding for responsible sex education that will help provide young people the tools they need to make informed decisions, build healthy relationships, and protect their health.
Support — Abstinence-only programs simply are not effective. In fact, the government's own study into abstinence-only programs found that these programs have no effect in reducing teen sexual activity. Research on medically-accurate, comprehensive sex education, however, has shown these programs can help teens delay sexual activity, and increase contraception and condom use if a young person does become sexually active.
The REAL Act would provide critical funding for responsible sex education that will help provide young people the tools they need to make informed decisions, build healthy relationships, and protect their health.
Latest Action: 3/17/2009 – H.R. 1551 referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee. 3/17/2009 - S. 611 referred to the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.
3/17/2009 – H.R. 1551 referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
3/17/2009 - S. 611 referred to the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.
Recorded Votes: None.
None.
