Abstract

This paper provides an overview of the (a) - (h) definition of abstinence education contained in the 1996 Welfare Reform Act. There are several issues involved, including: wording of the legislation and implementation by federal agencies and states, the restriction of access to information, the definition of the term sexual activity, the marriage standard, medical accuracy, and the establishment clause of the First Amendment of the Constitution. Federal involvement in abstinence education is discussed, including the Adolescent Family Life Act, Kendrick et al. v. Heckler and related suits, and abstinence education under welfare reform. Most Americans probably agree that young people would be well advised to delay the initiation of sexual behaviors that place them at risk for pregnancy and STDs. Nevertheless, there are significant concerns regarding the currently used federal definition of abstinence education. Those who believe that sexuality education should truly reflect the characteristics of a democrat...

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.