GAO Questions HHS Funding Of Abstinence-Only Programs Through 'Healthy Marriage' Initiative

Main Category: Women's Health / Gynecology
Also Included In: Sexual Health / STDs
Article Date: 31 Oct 2008 - 7:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

The Government Accountability Office has called into question HHS' implementation of a $150 million-a-year Healthy Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood Initiative after finding that some recipients are using program funds for abstinence-only education, CQ Today reports. According to CQ Today, it was "impermissible" for grant funding to be allocated to abstinence-only programs.

GAO's report, released on Oct. 27, found that HHS was unable to fully examine the activities of grant recipients before the initial round of funding was released seven months after the law took effect in February 2006. GAO also found that the agency lacks "mechanisms to identify and target grantees that are not in compliance with grant requirements" and that it uses an inconsistent method of conducting site visits to check on how funds are being spent. CQ Today reports that the study was requested by Rep. Jim McDermott (D-Wash.), ranking member of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Income and Family Support (Gensheimer, CQ Today, 10/29).

Reprinted with kind permission from http://www.nationalpartnership.org. You can view the entire Daily Women's Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery here. The Daily Women's Health Policy Report is a free service of the National Partnership for Women & Families, published by The Advisory Board Company.

© 2008 The Advisory Board Company. All rights reserved.