Sex Ed: What Parents Really Think

Focus on the Family
Tuesday, 11 February 2003

Coalition to Release Results of Landmark Poll

On Thursday, February 13th, the Coalition for Adolescent Sexual Health will release the results of a landmark survey tracking parental attitudes on sex education. Conducted by Zogby International, the poll reveals how parents view various approaches to sex education, including "comprehensive" sex education, abstinence-centered sex education, and programs traditionally promoted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The survey marks the first time parents have been polled using the exact material and guidelines for sex education curricula developed and endorsed by such groups as the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS) and Planned Parenthood. On Thursday, the results will be posted on-line at www.whatparentsthink.com.

The coalition will also discuss the implications for the upcoming legislative debate over federal funding of abstinence education programs within the reauthorization of welfare reform, among other areas. The Bush administration supports funding abstinence programs, those that send the unambiguous message to teens that sex is best reserved for marriage, at a level of parity with "comprehensive" or "abstinence-first" sex education programs. Parental views toward sex education will play a very significant role in this debate.

WHAT: Press conference to release results of a poll on parental attitudes on "comprehensive" vs. abstinence-centered sex education.

WHO: * Rep. Dave Weldon (R-Fla.) * Dr. Wade Horn, Assistant Secretary for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (invited) Coalition for Adolescent Sexual Health Members: * Dr. Bill Maier, Focus on the Family * Genevieve Wood, Family Research Council * Dr. Janice Crouse, Concerned Women for America WHEN: Thursday, February 13th at 10:00 a.m.

WHERE: House Rayburn Building, Room 2226

The Coalition for Adolescent Sexual Health is an ad hoc coalition of groups committed to strong families, research-based education and healthy adolescents. Members: Christian Coalition of America, Concerned Women for America, Eagle Forum, Family Research Council, Focus on the Family, National Abstinence Clearinghouse, Traditional Values Coalition

For more information, or to contact Focus on the Family, see their website at: www.family.org