ANALYSIS OF COMPREHENSIVE SEX EDUCATION CURRICULA REVIEW
POSTED: JUN 26, 2007
In May 2007, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a “Review of Comprehensive Sex Education Curricula,” a study commissioned by Senators Santorum and Coburn to review and evaluate federally supported comprehensive sex education programs.
The “comprehensive” or “abstinence-plus” curricula selected for this study were chosen based on the frequency and strength of endorsement received from the leading and recognized sexuality information organizations and resources. The purpose of the study was to inform federal policymakers of the content, medical accuracy and effectiveness of “comprehensive” sex ed curricula currently in use. The study includes summaries of each curriculum’s content.
Project Reality examined the study and summarized the findings into brief points for easy reference. In the analysis, you will find overall findings of interest as well as specific points for each curricula studied. Findings of this study indicate that although these programs are being promoted as “comprehensive,” they discuss condoms and contraception nearly seven times more than abstinence. In addition, there was virtually no effect on delaying sexual activity in children using these programs and no long term effects.
"This report finally exposes the actual content of comprehensive sex ed programs so that the public can distinguish between the reality of these programs and the rhetoric they use," stated Libby Macke, director of Project Reality.
