News Release

Statement by Alma Golden, M.D., Deputy Assistant Secretary for Population Affairs, Office of Public Health and Science Regarding Abstinence Education Report of the House Committee on Government Reform

This report misses the boat. These issues have been raised before and discredited. Unfortunately what they continue to do for purely political reasons is to take issues and information out of context to try and discredit abstinence education, which is a disservice to our children.

One thing is very clear for our children, abstaining from sex is the most effective means of preventing the sexual transmission of HIV, STDs and preventing pregnancy and the emotional, social and educational consequences of teen sexual activity. Studies show, as does my own experience as a Pediatrician, that abstinence works especially when combined with the involvement of parents in educating their children about what expectations they have and the setting of boundaries of behavior. Just like we tell them not to smoke or take drugs, or drink and drive, we tell them abstinence is best so they can grow up to be healthy thriving adults.

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Last Revised: December 1, 2004