Lawmaker Criticizes Abstinence Programs

[jefferson_dem]

WASHINGTON - Federally funded abstinence education programs that are used in 25 states contain false and misleading information about contraception, abortion and sexually transmitted diseases, a Democratic lawmaker said Wednesday.



The abstinence programs have been embraced by President Bush (news - web sites). They will receive $170 million in the current government spending year, more than double what the government was spending when Bush took office in 2001. The abstinence curriculum may not include instruction in contraceptive use as a condition of federal funding.


But a report from Rep. Henry Waxman (news, bio, voting record), D-Calif., said that 11 of the 13 most widely used programs underestimate the effectiveness of condoms in preventing pregnancy and the spread of disease, exaggerate the prevalence of emotional and physical distress following abortion, blur science and religion or get fundamental scientific facts wrong.


Alma Golden, the deputy assistant Health and Human Services (news - web sites) Secretary for population affairs, said the report took statements out of context to present the programs in the worst possible light.

<SNIP>

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=512&e=1&u=/ap/20041202/ap_on_go_co/abstinence_education

[Straight Shooter]

1. "out of context to present the programs in the worst possible light"

I'm shocked, I tell ya, shocked!!

But you know and I know, although the Repubs won't admit it, that they believe the ends justifies the means.

That's why they are so damn immoral.

[Erika]

2. You mean the theocrats would lie to advance their agenda?

I'm shocked also. Absolutely shocked.

[asjr]

3. Waxman is the hardest working Democrat on the Hill.

Why is the government allowed to meddle in our sex lives? A condom can be life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Has that escaped the minds of the Republicans? We are really becoming a dictatorship.

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

11. It is too bad that the democrats do not listen to Waxman more

he is the only one up there doing something, but they all ignore him.

[WindRavenX]

4. Outrageous lies our children are being fed

Abortion increases suicide and infertility. Half of gay teenages have HIV. Touching another person's genitals can result in pregnancy.
Good god, this is outrageous!

[indigo5]

5. Right's lame attempt to defend

Check this feeble attempt:
http://www.livejournal.com/users/bambenek/78978.html

[WindRavenX]

6. Oh fer chrissake

From the blog's note on the curriculum:
"At 43 days, electrical brain wave patterns can be recorded, evidence that mental activity is taking place. This new life may be thought of as a thinking person"

No. Brain wave patterns DO NOT MEAN "Thinking". ARGGH!!!!! :head explodes::

[George_S]

8. The right is a good example false electrical activity...

... if they have electrical brain wave patterns at all.

[TahitiNut]

9. "... may be (INCORRECTLY) thought of ..."

:eyes: :grr:

[VegasWolf]

13. Too true! but remember they don't get science. n/t

[George_S]

7. Tit for Tat - DARE ya (just kidding, don't care what they say)

But there's a catch: numerous studies across the country, including one in Suffolk two years ago, cast doubt on DARE's effectiveness. Its graduates are no less likely to use drugs than other children, the studies have concluded.

Nevertheless, the program remains enormously popular. So popular, in fact, that any suggestion that it be replaced with a more effective or less expensive program tends to raise howls of protest from parents, school officials and the police.

As a result, Suffolk lawmakers girding to do battle with a projected $250 million budget shortfall in 2005 are reluctant to take any overt jab at DARE, even though it costs the police department nearly $3 million a year.

http://www.thehempire.com/pm/comments/1861_0_1_0_C/

[LynnTheDem]

10. "out of context"??? HOW can THIS be taken "out of context"...

Some course materials cited in Waxman's report present as scientific fact notions about a man's need for "admiration" and "sexual fulfillment" compared with a woman's need for "financial support." One book in the "Choosing Best" series tells the story of a knight who married a village maiden instead of the princess because the princess offered so many tips on slaying the local dragon. "Moral of the story," notes the popular text: "Occasional suggestions and assistance may be alright, but too much of it will lessen a man's confidence or even turn him away from his princess."

Context seems damn clear to me.

[Tsiyu]

12. Why yes. let's go back to the Dark Ages

These fundies are the most immature, socially maladapted humans on the planet. This proves it.

[Erika]

14. Since Bush Denied foreign family planning funds also

I'm sure he mandates his teachings there also. Be considerate of women, there are camels out there. Women, be considerate of men's needs, show them where the camels are. Bush's alternative family planning methods.

It's going to be 4 very long years under this idiot.

[rawstory]

15. Dupe..

Really, this is just the AP article on the WP article...

[Moderator]

16. Duplicate

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=1037652