On Tuesday, the Senate Finance Committee handed a victory to abstinence-education advocates. Members voted to fund abstinence-education programs by a vote of 12-11.
The amendment, offered by Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, adds $50 million to abstinence-based programs across the country.
In a statement, Hatch said abstinence education works.
"My amendment restores a vital funding stream," he said, "so that teens and parents have the option to participate in programs that have demonstrated success in reducing teen sexual activity and, consequently, teen pregnancies."
Two Democrats, Sens. Kent Conrad of North Dakota and Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas, joined all 10 Republicans on the committee to pass the measure.
The National Abstinence Education Association (NAEA) was active in lobbying members of the committee. Valerie Huber, executive director of the NAEA, said grassroots efforts were responsible for the victory.
"We are encouraged by the efforts of citizens from across the United States who are involved in this issue," she said. "When people actually see what an abstinence program teaches, the talking points by groups that advocate a comprehensive approach seem pretty hollow."
The measure will still face the full House and Senate before being included in health-care legislation.
The committee voted down an amendment from Hatch that would have barred taxpayer funding of abortion.
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