Abstinence-Only Education Analysis

In the documentary Abstinence Comes to Albuquerque, abstinence-only education stirred up a controversy. The controversy brought a variety of social and political issues out into the light. One social issue is the stigma associated with sexual behavior or sexual experience and a policy concern is that religion is influencing public policy. Even after a federally authorized Mathematica study exposed the ineffectiveness of abstinence-only education both Congressional Democrats and Republicans continued to fund these programs. The reasons behind this action includes fear of the topic of sex and not wanting to do anything that will upset their constituency, thus hurting their chances of reelection.
The stigma associated with sex has a long history that is based around the Christian roots of this country. Evangelical Christians look at sex before marriage and any talk about sex as inappropriate and sinful. As much as 81 percent

of Evangelical Christians believe it is morally wrong for unmarried adults to engage in sexual intercourse. Abstinence-only education is based around the shame associated with sexual behavior and often uses scare tactic to steer children away from sex or even talking about sex. Teenagers should not be ashamed of having sex it is part of life. Condoms were something that was purposefully avoided by the abstinence programs in the documentary. Teens need have the knowledge necessary to make their own decisions and help them understand the risks and responsibilities that come with sex. Over 135 national organizations support comprehensive sex education. Education is the key to getting rid of the stigma associated with sex.
The main issue with the federal government funding abstinence-only education is that it has an inherent religious foundation.

The First Amendment to the Unites States Constitution says, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." This principle is better known as the separation of church and state government. Forcing public policy based around religious beliefs is against these founding principles. If there was some science supporting the push for abstinence-only education then it would be justified, but there is none. Ideology should not be put above science. Policy needs to be value free and not pushing a moral based ideology. Religious beliefs are fine for ones private life or a particular community, but it needs to be kept out of public policy. Governing based on the guidelines of religion undermines the best interests of a country, as these precepts are based on faith, not logic, evidence, or rational thinking. Religious beliefs cannot be what a policy is based

around.
A majority of the American public is Christian and this could be one reason behind the continued support by Congress of abstinence-only education even after the Mathematica study. Members of Congress are afraid of doing anything that would go against their constituency, thus undermining their chances at reelection. There is still a perpetuated social norm in the religious community that sex before marriage is not ok. This could be forcing the hand of congressional members. This is a valid reason for actions taken by Senators. Senators are supposed to act as representatives for their constituencies, that is why it is called a representative democracy. Another possible reason for the continued support is that many religious organizations and lobbyists contribute to the Congressional members campaigns and helps them get reelected. A recent survey says that the number of religious lobbyist groups in has multiplied five times the amount it was in 1970 and hundreds of millions are spent each year to influence issues. This is not a valid reason for supporting abstinence-only education. Members of Congress are supposed to do what’s in the best interest of the people not act beholden to a wealthy minorities interest.