TELL CONGRESS TO STOP FUNDING ABSTINENCE ONLY SEX EDUCATION PROGRAMS!

According to a health artice recently published online, the government has spent over $1.3 billion since the late 90's on abstinence-only education programs in schools.  On April 23, several health groups told Congress that these programs are not working.  And yet the Bush administration continues to support these programs!  $1.3 billion dollars, and every time you turn on the news there is another special on a baby being killed because it's teenage mother didn't know what to do.  Only 17 states turn down this funding and teach other forms of sex ed.  That leaves 33 states teaching out of date and ineffective programs.  Abstinence only programs would work in a perfect world, where everyone listens to what they learn in school, but we all know that doesn't work.  School programs should teach about all the options.  Abstinence clearly being the first and foremost way to prevent pregnancy and STD's, but also about condoms, and about where to go if you are sexually active.  Too many kids don't know what to do if they are having sex, they don't know to get tested for STD's, and many don't know how to prevent pregnancy.  Many groups fight that programs that teach about all the options will promote sexual promiscuity.  That's a risk worth taking if it will prevent teenage pregnancy, abortion and infanticide.  Please sign this and lets let Congress and the White House know that changes need to happen.  We are not going to sit by and let our tax dollars go to these programs any longer.