Abstinence Educators Rally in Tallahassee
Youth and adult advocates for abstinence education will gather on the capital steps Tuesday, March 14, 12:00-1:00 p. m. to show their support of abstinence-only education.
Tallahassee, FL (PRWEB) March 12, 2006
Youth and adult advocates for abstinence education will gather on the capital steps Tuesday, March 14, 12:00-1:00 p. m. to show their support of abstinence-only education.
Initially funded in 1997, abstinence education has played a significant role in the reduction of Florida’s birthrate among 15 to 19 year old females. According to the Fla. Dept. of Health Vital Statistics Report, it has dropped from 60.2 per 1000 females in 1996 to 44.6 per 1000 females in 2004. Abstinence-only education is being provided in 54 Florida counties through private, state, and federal funds.
“Over 150,000 teens and pre-teens receive abstinence-only education from private and government funded community-based programs each year,” said Pam Mullarkey, president of the Florida Abstinence Education Association. “We are also able to reach parents and guardians through these programs as well.”
These organizations uphold the Florida Statute 1003.46 which states that “throughout instruction in acquired immune deficiency syndrome, sexually transmitted diseases, or health education, a school shall (a) Teach abstinence from sexual activity outside of marriage as the expected standard for all school-age students while teaching the benefits of monogamous heterosexual marriage.”
Students throughout Florida provide feedback daily on the importance of abstinence education. “Your staff came to my school this week for three days. Since they have come, my friends are reaching out for help to stop drinking alcohol and stop drugs. Some are even stopping having sex,” wrote as Bradford High School student. “I am so thankful for you and your staff coming to my school. I believe that our school will have a great amount of less drugs and other things. I loved your staff, they were great. I now realize that that getting drunk and partying is not the best thing to do and that there are better things in life to do. Without you I would have never understood these things.”(High School Student quote, 2006)
The Florida Abstinence Education Association (FAEA), founded in 2000, is comprised of organizations throughout the state of Florida that range from 100% volunteer based to those with State and/or Federal funding - but all with the passion to preserve the health of our teens. "FAEA members believe that abstinance-only education is risk elimination – the only 100% effective way to prevent pregnancy, STDs, social setbacks and emotional consequences for our youth.
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