Hawaii Should Say 'No Thanks' To Abstinence-Only Education Funding, Editorial Says

Main Category: Sexual Health / STDs
Also Included In: Pediatrics / Children's Health;  Women's Health / Gynecology
Article Date: 14 Nov 2008 - 10:00 PDT

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Unlike some states, Hawaii has not found "the backbone to say 'no thanks'" to federal funding for abstinence-only education, a Honolulu Star Bulletin editorial says. The editorial continues, "Teenagers should receive a full measure of education on sexual issues, but if it's driven by ideology rather than sensible public health strategy, the abstinence-only program can do more harm than good." The editorial states that although a state Health Department official "claim[s] that a program funded through the state's allocation is 'comprehensive,' excluding information about birth control and how to avoid sexually transmitted diseases contradicts that description." The administration of Gov. Linda Lingle (R) "should rethink its advocacy of the programs, which haven't reduced sexual activity among teenagers or curbed teen pregnancy rates in Hawaii," the editorial says, noting that Hawaii's teen pregnancy rate is the 22nd highest in the nation. It adds, "While it might be hard to imagine that young people aren't aware of contraception or the risks of diseases, a rational education program that covers a range of issues -- including the merits of celibacy -- would be far more beneficial than merely preaching abstinence" (Honolulu Star Bulletin, 11/11).

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