Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2004. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
|
|
Washington Times (12.11.04) - Wednesday, December 15, 2004
Cheryl Wetzstein
"The whole thing has to do with evidence. It's really a scientific issue," said AMA's President-Elect Dr. J. Edward Hill. That means "if an abstinence-only program is proven to work, we're extremely supportive of it, and would be supportive of federal funding for programs that work. But we want them to show the evidence that they work," said Hill. He noted that previous AMA policy opposed abstinence-only education "unless research showed that it was superior in preventing negative outcomes."
The new policy, however, does not directly address abstinence- only education. Rather, AMA said it supports "comprehensive sex-education programs that stress the importance of abstinence... and also teach about contraceptive choices and safer sex." "That's the big difference - the 'and also' part," said Hill. In addition, the policy opposes "federal funding of community-based programs that do not show evidence-based results."
A study from Rep. Henry A. Waxman (D-Calif.) found that 11 of 13 federally funded abstinence programs contained medical or scientific errors or distortions.
But abstinence supporters say the programs are working. Libby Gray, director of Glenview, Ill.-based Project Reality, said AMA "should review the studies that are readily available that show that abstinence education reduces teen sexual activity and stop supporting comprehensive sex-education programs that have not been shown to be effective."
Congress earmarked $170 million, including $30 million in new funds, for abstinence education in its 2005 spending bill.
041215
AD042555
Copyright © 2004 - Information, Inc., Bethesda, MD. The CDC National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention provides the following information as a public service only. Providing synopses of key scientific articles and lay media reports on HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted diseases and tuberculosis does not constitute CDC endorsement. This daily update also includes information from CDC and other government agencies, such as background on Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) articles, fact sheets, press releases and announcements. Reproduction of this text is encouraged; however, copies may not be sold, and the CDC HIV/STD/TB Prevention News Update should be cited as the source of the information. Contact the sources of the articles abstracted below for full texts of the articles.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2004. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2004. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.
.