NCJW Deplores Vote Restoring Funds for Abstinence-Only Program
October 1, 2009, Washington, DC -- The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) today criticized the September 29 vote by the Senate Finance Committee to restore $50 million for the Title V (five) abstinence-only program. NCJW President Nancy Ratzan released the following statement:
"The vote by the Senate Finance Committee to approve an amendment by Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) to restore $50 million for the Title V (five) abstinence-only program is a deplorable step backward. President Obama had rightly eliminated such spending from the budget he submitted to Congress, and the Senate in its final legislation should follow his lead.
"Although the finance committee also passed a provision that would also fund comprehensive sex education, passage of the Hatch amendment still allows federal money to be spent on scientifically discredited abstinence-only programs. Such programs are based primarily on religious convictions and not on evidence that such programs work to reduce pregnancy or prevent sexually transmitted disease.
"We urge the Senate to correct this step backward and spend the taxpayers' dollars only on programs that are proven to work, not programs that seek to appease a narrow minority."
The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. Plan A: NCJW’s Campaign for Contraceptive Access is a community-based, proactive national campaign firmly rooted in the belief that contraceptive access is essential for women’s well-being and equality.
Contact:
Emily Alfano
202 296 2588 x5; emily@ncjwdc.org