Romney Proposes Amendment to Fund Abstinence-Only in MA Schools
Synopsis:Gov. Romney proposed an amendment to the State Supplemental Budget which will require federal funds to be spent on classroom based abstinence-only programming in Massachusetts public schools.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 25, 2005
Gov. Romney Proposes Amendment to Supplemental Budget to Fund Abstinence-Only in MA Public Schools
Move could harm students, lead to increase in STD’s, unintended pregnancies
Boston, MA – In a move that raises further concerns about his commitment to reproductive health, Gov. Romney last night proposed an amendment to the State Supplemental Budget which will require federal funds to be spent on classroom based abstinence-only programming in Massachusetts public schools. Abstinence-only programming in our schools often communicates harmful, misleading, judgmental and at times, medically-inaccurate information to teenagers.
Previously, the Department of Public Health was able to use its federal abstinence-only funds for media campaigns and public outreach. In informal session last fall, the Legislature approved a measure as part of the supplemental budget that prohibited the Department from using the funds in this way. Outside Section 28A would have reinstated the ability of DPH to use the funds on public service announcements, media and outreach. (Text of proposed amendment attached.)
Recent studies demonstrate the dangerously inaccurate teachings of many public school abstinence-only-until-marriage programs such as the potential for HIV transmission via sweat and tears. More than 40% of Massachusetts high school students are sexually active. Abstinence-only programs are prohibited from discussing contraceptive methods except to emphasize failure rates, thus discouraging contraceptive use.
Comprehensive sexuality education in our schools – which includes medically-accurate information on contraception and disease prevention as well as abstinence – is proven to reduce unintended pregnancies and thereby reduce the need for abortion. Abstinence-only programs have never been proven effective and may result in riskier behavior in teens.
“On the heels of Governor Romney’s comments earlier this week regarding his personal opposition to a woman’s right to choose, this decision casts further doubt on the Governor’s commitment to reproductive health and choice. This amendment puts our youth at risk for STD and HIV infection as well as unintended pregnancy,” said Paige Bradley Frost, a spokesperson for NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts.
NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts – the state’s leading advocate for privacy and reproductive choice – is proud to be a co-sponsor of the “Prevention First” legislative package filed on Beacon Hill. This package takes a comprehensive approach to improving reproductive health options by increasing access to emergency contraception (the morning-after pill) and increasing state funding for family planning and teen pregnancy prevention programs.
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