Media

For Immediate Release:
September 29, 2004

Contact: Adrienne Verrilli
at: 212-819-9770 x325

SIECUS Releases Review of Fear-Based, Abstinence-Only-Until-Marriage Curricula Used in Federally-Funded Programs

New York, NY - Today, the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the U.S. (SIECUS) released reviews of six curricula used in federally funded abstinence-only-until-marriage programs around the country. Specifically, SIECUS reviewed Choosing the Best PATH; Choosing the Best LIFE; I'm in Charge of the FACTS; FACTS and Reasons; A.C. Green's Game Plan; and Sex Respect.

"These latest reviews paint an excellent portrait of the abstinence-only-until-marriage curricula used in federally funded programs," said Joe DiNorcia, interim President and CEO of SIECUS. "We hope that these documents will provide educators, policymakers, and parents with a comprehensive understanding of these programs and the inaccurate, negative, and potentially harmful messages our nation's young people are learning with respect to their sexual health," DiNorcia continued.

Although the programs vary, SIECUS found that these programs have common characteristics: they are based on religious beliefs, rely on fear and shame, omit important information, include inaccurate information, and present stereotypes and biases as fact. For example:

Sex Respect: "There is no way to have premarital sex without hurting someone. These are simply natural consequences. For example, if you eat spoiled food, you will get sick. If your jump from a tall building, you will be hurt or killed. If you spend more money than you make, your enslavement to debt affects you and those whom you love. If you have sex outside marriage, there are consequences for you, your partner and society."
FACTS: "You know people talk about you behind your back because you have had sex with so many people. It is so empty to (sic). Finally you get sick of it and commit suicide."
Choosing the Best PATH: The curriculum poses the following question to students: "Which of the following cannot be totally eliminated by the use of condoms?: Answer: "Infertility, isolation, jealously, poverty, heartbreak, substance abuse, AIDS, pregnancy, cervical cancer, genital herpes, unstable long-term commitments, depression embarrassment, meaningless wedding, sexual violence, personal disappointment, suicide, feelings of being used….."

"In reviewing these programs, it becomes clear that they are simply an attempt to advance a conservative social agenda masquerading as teen pregnancy and STD prevention," said DiNorcia.

While it is difficult to know exactly how many schools and community-based programs across the county are using the reviewed curricula, we did find that they are used in federally funded programs in numerous states, including:

Choosing the Best curricula are used in programs in Georgia, Iowa, and Missouri.
FACTS curricula are used in programs in Arizona, Nebraska, Oregon, and Utah.
Game Plan is used in programs in Illinois, Massachusetts, and New York.
Sex Respect is used in programs in Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee.

Since 1998, the federal government has invested nearly $620 million in abstinence-only-until marriage programs yet no sound study exists that shows these programs have any long-term beneficial impact on young people's sexual behavior. In contrast, numerous comprehensive education programs about sexuality have been found to be effective in delaying the onset of sexual intercourse, reducing the number of sexual partners, and increasing contraception and condoms among teens.

"Our young people deserve better than this. They deserve comprehensive sexuality education that provides unbiased, accurate information about sexuality and relationships including vital information on life-saving topics such as STDs, HIV, and pregnancy prevention," said DiNorcia.

To access the SIECUS' reviews of the curricula, go to: http://www.siecus.org/reviews.html.

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