Sponsored by: Rep. Eddie Rodriguez (D-Austin)
Summary: HB 1371 would have rejected federal funding for abstinence-only-until-marriage sexuality education programs in Texas.
HB 1371 would have rejected federal funding for abstinence-only-until-marriage sexuality education programs in Texas.
PPNT Position: Support - Scientific studies continuously show abstinence-only programs do not delay young people from having sex, prevent unintended pregnancies, or protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In fact, teens who are taught abstinence-only education programs are less likely to use condoms or contraception when they do become sexually active. As of 2008, 25 other states have refused federal abstinence-only funding because it does not allow for proper discussion of the benefits and safety of contraception and condoms. Texas currently receives more abstinence federal funding than any other state in the union – more than $18 million. Consequently, Texas also has one of the highest teen pregnancy and teen birth rates in the U.S., and is number one in repeat teen births. By rejecting abstinence-only funding, Texas would have stopped wasting taxpayer funding on failed abstinence-only sex education programs that put our children's health at risk.
Support - Scientific studies continuously show abstinence-only programs do not delay young people from having sex, prevent unintended pregnancies, or protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In fact, teens who are taught abstinence-only education programs are less likely to use condoms or contraception when they do become sexually active.
As of 2008, 25 other states have refused federal abstinence-only funding because it does not allow for proper discussion of the benefits and safety of contraception and condoms.
Latest Action: 5/12/2009 - HB 1371 was left pending in House Public Health committee.
Recorded Votes: None.
None.
