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

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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).

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