New York state officials have rejected millions of dollars in federal grants for abstinence-only sex education, claiming it to be a "failed" Bush policy based on "ideology rather than on sound scientific-based evidence."
In deciding not to re-apply for its annual $3.5 million in abstinence funding, New York joins at least 10 other states that have decided to forgo the funds.
"We think it is a good thing that they are making efforts to close programs that were misinforming adolescents," said Galen Sherwin, director of the Reproductive Rights Project for the New York Civil Liberties Union.
Linda Klepacki, sexual health analyst for Focus on the Family Action, disagreed.
"It's truly a tragedy to deny teens the safest and healthiest sexual messages in a state with one of the highest numbers of abortions," she said. "We must ask ourselves which is safer: teen abortions or teen abstinence?"
Klepacki indicated the real danger is anything-goes comprehensive sex education.
"Schools exchanging needles or giving information on the safest drug dealer may be next," she said.
