Malaysia Health Ministry Cannot Promote Condom Use To Prevent Spread of HIV, Official Says - by Communications [5.22.2007] Malaysia's Ministry of Health cannot openly promote condom use to prevent the spread of HIV because it could be misinterpreted as advocating promiscuity, deputy director for the Ministry of Health Jalal Halil Khalil said Sunday in conjunction with International AIDS Memorial Day, Malaysia's New Straits Times reports. Promotion of condom use will be handed over to nongovernmental organizations, including the Malaysian AIDS Council and its 37 affiliates, Khalil said.
Title V Funding in Jeopardy - by Communications [5.17.2007] Democratic Leaders Say They Will Not Reauthorize Title V Abstinence Education Program
States seek sex offender data from MySpace - by Communications [5.14.2007] RALEIGH, North Carolina (AP) -- Top law enforcement officers from eight states asked MySpace.com on Monday to turn over the names of registered sex offenders who use the social networking Web site.
Cardinal to Congress: Fund Abstinence Programs - by Communications [5.11.2007] Justin Cardinal Rigali of Philadelphia has urged the U.S. House and Senate Appropriations Committees to maintain funding levels for abstinence education for youth.
"While programs incorporating [contraceptive] emphasis are sometimes called 'comprehensive' sex education, they are more accurately described as compromised education," Cardinal Rigali wrote.
NYC Condom Update - by Communications [5.10.2007] New York City Health Department Could Discontinue Distribution of Subway-Themed Condoms, Health Commissioner Says
Gardasil Too Spendy for Doctors - by Communications [5.1.2007] Gardasil, Merck's vaccine against the sexually-transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV) isn't quite as popular among physicians as Merck had hoped. The reason? It is very expensive.
The great danger - by Leslee [4.30.2007] The greater danger for most
13-Year-Olds Given Condoms, Told to "Get it On" - by Communications [4.26.2007] The Hampshire County Council (England) has secured £8,000 of government money with which they will purchase condoms over the next year. To whom will these condoms be given? Why, children, of course!
Increased Availability of Plan B Does Not Reduce Unintended Pregnany Rates - by Communications [4.25.2007] Advocates of the "morning-after" pill once argued that making the drug over-the-counter and ensuring women's supplies of it would result in a decrease in the rate of unintended pregnancy. Current data suggests that they are wrong.
New Contraceptive to Eliminate Periods - by Communications [4.20.2007] "We don't want to confront our bodily functions anymore," Andrist said. "We're too busy."
This is fantastically stupid.
Planned Parenthood Golden Gate's Inflammatory BC Advert - by Communications [4.18.2007] Some of the most incendiary material from Planned Parenthood comes from its San Francisco affiliate, Planned Parenthood Golden Gate. Previous releases have included the short cartoon, "Superhero for Choice," in which the "heroine" drowns an abstinence advocate in a vat of lubricant and kills pro-life advocates with a condom gun. Most recently, an amorous couple are watched-over (rather creepily) by the "Guardian Angel of Safe Sex".
FDA Faces Lawsuit, etc. - by Communications [4.13.2007] Here's a roundup of some interesting things I've found online today.
Planned Parenthood Inspiring Teens (Unfortunately) - by Communications [4.13.2007] Given its track record, it's amazing that anyone would follow the line that Planned Parenthood is an organization very interested in the welfare of teens. It happens, though, and that is sad.
Some Fear Religious Bias - by Communications [4.11.2007] Jason Evert, nationally known and recognized speaker, was to speak in a California school. His talk, concerning chastity, was questioned by some parents and students. Mr Evert is a Catholic, you see, which makes everything he has to say suspect...I guess.
An Apparent Distaste for Purity - by Communications [4.2.2007] As the media continue to deem Purity Balls newsworthy, more and more commentators clamor to demonstrate their dissatisfaction.
Condom Distribution Hurts Uganda - by Communications [3.29.2007] Uganda's numbers are slipping. As condom advertisement has become more common, the country's formerly exemplary AIDS-related HIV rate has begun to increase.
"Gardasil is not all it’s cracked up to be." - by Communications [3.26.2007] The Sunday edition of the New York Times contained an op-ed piece by Sigrid Fry-Revere, who is the director of bioethics studies at the Cato Institute.
True Love Revolution on Harvard's Campus - by Communications [3.23.2007] The rampant sexual license found on Harvard's campus has met a new challenger. True Love Revolution is a group of students who are fed up with the promiscuously sexual subculture evidenced by such things as H-Bomb, a student-run porn magazine.
"The Achilles Heel of Condoms" - by Communications [3.22.2007] Zenit's Father John Flynn comments on the Catholic Church's lasting opposition to condom distribution and use, especially as public governmental policy. He also notes that it is behavior, not latex, that will save the masses from disease.
Indian Sex Workers to be Given Female Condoms - by Communications [3.16.2007] Condoms, shown to ineffective in combatting AIDS, are being distributed to sex workers in India in order to reduce AIDS rate.
Kroger Grocery Stores Allow For Pharmacists' Consciences - by Communications [3.13.2007] The Cincinnati-based Kroger company recently reiterated its policy on the distribution of the morning-after pill (Plan B), Kaiser reports.
Texas Gov. Claims to be Seeking Cure for Cancer - by Communications [2.26.2007] Gov. Perry of Texas claims that his HPV vaccine mandate and Merck's campaign contribution were coincidental. It wasn't money, but rather the hope to offer a "cure for cancer" to Texas women and girls.
Texas Gov. Perry's Vaccine Mandate Coincided with Campaign Donation - by Communications [2.22.2007] The Associated Press has obtained documents that point to Texas Governor Rick Perry's executive order to mandate the HPV vaccine Gardasil as concurrent with a contribution by Merck and Co. to Gov. Perry's campaign. Merck is the pharmaceutical company which manufactures the drug. A spokesman for Gov. Perry maintains that the two events are entirely coincidental.
Merck to Stop Advocating Mandatory HPV Vaccinations - by Communications [2.21.2007] The New York Times today reported that pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co., maker of HPV Vaccine Gardasil, has halted all lobbying to make the drug mandatory.
NYC Bishops Speak Out Against Condom Campaign - by [2.17.2007] Two Catholic in New York dioceses have issued a statement opposing New York City's condom distribution campaign. The city claims to be fighting HIV/AIDS.
Anti-Contraception Chocolate Giveaway On College Campus - by Communications [2.16.2007] Project Plus, a Virginia-based anti-contraception campaign, worked to counteract condom proponents on a college campus on Wednesday. In past years, some have sought to replace Valentine's Day with "National Condom Day".
Planned Parenthood and Condoms - by Communications [2.15.2007] Planned Parenthood pushes condoms on kids, can't imagine why people question it.
Abstinence Clearinghouse Statement on Mandated HPV Vaccine - by Communications [2.14.2007] The National Abstinence Clearinghouse has issued a statement regarding the recent HPV vaccine, Gardasil, and whether or not it ought to be mandated.
Students Protest Moral Convictions - by Communications [2.12.2007] The Yale Daily News reports that some students have been protesting outside of Catholic hospitals that refuse to administer abortifacient emergency contraception to patients. The Connecticut legislature is considering a bill that would require all Catholic hospitals to abandon their values and provide these drugs.
Brazil intends to sell condoms at secondary grade schools - by Communications [2.8.2007] Catholic World News (CWN) reports that the Brazilian government has been "aggressively campaigning" for the sale and distribution of condoms in secondary schools. Its cause has been fueled by a recent poll which seems to show majority support on the part of parents.
Some Birth Control to be Banned - by Communications [2.6.2007] Bloomberg reports that some birth control pills may be banned by U.S. regulators.
Julie Laipply: Abstinence is a Powerful Choice - by Communications [2.2.2007] "Abstinence education must be based in the principle that the body is priceless and you can make the healthiest choice," Julie Laipply told a group of parents, teachers, health professionals and teens.
Just say no: Teens urge abstinence - by Communications [2.1.2007] Pregnancy is a serious stumbling block for many New Mexico teens, especially here in Doña Ana County.
New Mexico ranks third highest in the nation for teenage births, according to the 2006 Kids Count survey, published each year by New Mexico Voices for Children.
...
For some students, the solution is obvious — abstaining from sex.
Abstinence Promoted for Valentine's Day - by Communications [1.29.2007] (CNSNews.com) - Concerned about the promotion of sex to youngsters, a conservative group is encouraging students to celebrate Valentine's Day this year with a "Day of Purity," marking a commitment to abstain from sex until marriage.
The Day of Purity is a project of the Liberty Counsel, a religious non-profit organization. Organizer Rena Lindevaldsen told Cybercast News Service the group decided to launch the event after being contacted by a mother in Michigan who said she was concerned about her children's school having a national "coming out" day for homosexual students.
Abstinence education really works - by Communications [1.16.2007] "Since November's election, organizations like Planned Parenthood, the American Social Health Association and SEICUS are demanding that federal funding for abstinence-until-marriage education programs be eliminated.
Their latest tactic is to insist that since most unmarried adults are sexually active, federal funding for abstinence education programs targeting teenagers should be de-funded. I think it is ludicrous to compare adults' behavior to teenagers'."
REAL Act Attacks Abstinence Education - by Communications [1.12.2007] The Responsible Education About Life (REAL) Act, to be introduced to both the House and the Senate later this month, seeks government funding for contraceptive education instead of abstinence education. Contact your Congressional members!
Does the end justify the means? - by Karrie Shoeneman [1.6.2006] Nothing to lose, WHAT A LIE! Save Sex for marriage, be healthy, be happy and be smart!
Why Abstinence? - by Sherri Page [1.6.2006] It's my choice, what will yours be?
Does the Pill Kill Your sex Drive? - by Janet Aspen [12.31.2005] Here's what I want to know...if I'm on the pill and have no sex drive, what's the point? This is an interesting article in Oprah magazine about how the pill kills your sex drive.
HPV Vaccine - by Janet Aspen [12.29.2005] What's with trying to vaccinate 10 year olds for HPV? Hey, while we're doing that, let's put them all the pill too!
Coping With Difficult People - by Janet Aspen [12.27.2005] Every leader faces difficult people and draining circumstances. The following difficult personality types commonly accost leaders today.
Leadership - by Megan [12.22.2005] Stumbling over the thruth is the beginning of many good trips.
Sex Ed in School - by Cathi Clapper [12.6.2005] I would just like to remind all parents to take the time to find out EXACTLY what their child's school is teaching in health class (ie. sex ed, relationships, etc). Be prepared to spend some time on this. Since they may be reluctant to show you all the materials, you will need to see the teacher's/school's/district's lesson plans and go through them day by day and ask for the materials listed in the plans. Be sure to ask if they invite any organizations or individuals in to speak to the class. Be persistent! Remember that you pay their salaries and you have a right to know what information is being given to your children. You may be surprised. If you are unhappy with what the schools are teaching, you need to bring awareness to your community and take action to make a change! The National Abstinence Clearinghouse can assist you in that.
AIDS Prevention is Emperor's Clothes - by LeAnna Benn [12.1.2005] AIDS is a worldwide tragedy. For nearly 25 years the main methods of transmission have been painfully obvious, intercourse that causes trauma and IV drug use. For all these years, the “experts” have insisted on intermediate methods like needle exchange and condoms while ignoring the cause.
Abstinence in Taipei, Taiwan - by Education [11.30.2005] Leslee J. Unruh, president of the Abstinence Clearinghouse, is spreading the message of abstinence until marriage at the Fu Jen University in Taipei, Taiwan this week.
Mixing the Message - by Janet Aspen [11.4.2005] Stand up for what's right and don't mix the message, it confuses kids. It's not hard to stick to principles. We have zero tolerance for drugs, alcohol and bullying, why not sex?
Use Props to Improve Your Public Speaking Confidence - by Development [10.26.2005] If you are one of the many people who fear speaking in public, you can use a simple technique to overcome your worries when on the platform. All you need to do is employ the use of props. Instead of using PowerPoint slides, go physical..!
Illinois Abstinence Coalition Hosts “Rally at the Rotunda” - by Jessemyn Pekari [10.26.2005] In an effort to draw more attention to abstinence education, the Illinois Abstinence Coalition hosted an abstinence advocacy day at the state’s capitol on Tuesday, October 25.
First Lady Museveni Continues to Defend Abstinence Until Marriage - by Jessemyn Pekari [10.26.2005] In a seminar held this week at London College, First Lady of Uganda Janet Museveni strongly defended her country’s focus on abstinence until marriage as its primary prevention program against HIV/AIDS.
Katie Couric Hits Closer to the Truth Than She Hopes To on Today Show - by Jessemyn Pekari [10.26.2005] In an interview with Dr. Marilyn Maxwell and psychologist Neil Bernstein on the Today Show this week, Katie Couric and her guests gave more credence to abstinence education than they probably intended to give. Initially, Couric began by discussing a new CDC study which found that just over 40 percent of American teens have engaged in outercourse. Couric was quick to blame those “obsessed with technical virginity.”
Why Abstinence Education Materials Are Important - by LeAnna Benn [10.24.2005] In the early 80’s parents couldn’t even ask schools questions about their Sex Ed because it was all teacher or guest speaker presentations. These are a few of the reasons that written abstinence education materials were developed at the beginning of the abstinence until marriage movement.
Words of Wisdom - by Sunshine [10.24.2005] You can't hold a strong position without strong and continued opposition.
You can't seem right to any if you don't seem wrong to many.
I beg to Differ... - by AC Green [10.21.2005] Abstinence Education Works!
Coping With Difficult People - by [10.19.2005] Every leader faces difficult people and draining circumstances. The following difficult personality types commonly accost leaders today.
Public Confidence in Charities Remains Low, Study Says - by Development [10.17.2005] [Association for Fundraising Professionals, 10/17/05]
A new survey reveals that nearly one-third of Americans have little or no confidence in charities, while two-thirds believe that charities waste a great deal or fair amount of money.
Time Well Spent - by Tamara W. [10.6.2005] Promote healthy prgression of relationships, talk about it...
Better Sex??? - by Alyssa [10.6.2005] It's not worth it!
Modesty is a Virtue - by Vinessah [10.6.2005] Get this! The allure of immodesty is not in what is seen but what is not seen. Modesty issues a challenge for one man to romantically earn your virtue.
Abstinence Supporters Write Back: Sample Letter to Superintendents/School Administrators - by Communications [10.5.2005] The ACLU is circulating a sample letter to superintendents. The letter is a prime example of ideology over science. Much of it is based off of the debunked Waxman report. The following is a letter that can be copied, personalized and sent to your school administrators in support of abstinence education.
Describing SIECUS in One Word. - by Maggie [10.5.2005] ultracrepidarian: someone who expresses opinions beyond his or her scope of knowledge
Pregnancy Q & A - by Big Al [9.28.2005] Ans now for something completely different - Humor.
Planned Parenthood to Address Abstinence More - by [9.27.2005] When it comes to sex education, semantics can make all the difference. Or at least, that's what the local Planned Parenthood hopes to communicate at a seminar Thursday.
Youth At Risk: SIECUS Attacks Abstinence - by Education [9.26.2005] News Release
For IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 26, 2005
Contact: Christina Espenscheid
Phone: 605-335-3643
Youth At Risk: SIECUS Attacks Abstinence
Today at the annual Sexuality Information and Education Council of the U.S. “Back to School” briefing, the pro-contraceptive sex education organization will once again spread distortions and deceptions about abstinence education, says the Abstinence Clearinghouse. This effort to slander abstinence education is proof of SIECUS’ desperation to cover up their own heinous brand of graphic sex promotion to under-aged children.
“It does my heart good to see SIECUS so desperate,” said Leslee Unruh, president of the Abstinence Clearinghouse, a leading advocate for abstinence education. “For thirty years SIECUS-style sex education had a monopoly in schools. Only since abstinence education was introduced have the rates of teen sexual activity and teen pregnancy actually improved. The gains of abstinence education are exposing the fact that the emperor had no clothes. As Congress considers funding for abstinence education and sex ed, SIECUS is finally afraid of being left naked.”
Kimberly Martinez, executive director of the Abstinence Clearinghouse, questioned teaching sexual behaviors to children and teens who are too young to consent to sex. “The abstinence educators have been busy. We are working on a page-by-page review of the SIECUS materials. I would like to quote from the SIECUS guidelines for contraceptive sex education, but they’re just too graphic. The curricula promoted on the SIECUS website are shocking.”
Examples Martinez gave include: Reducing the Risk, which advises young teens, “You do not need a parent’s permission to get birth control at a clinic.” Be Proud, Be Responsible tells 13 year old students to “Think up a sexual fantasy using condoms.” It also suggests these teens should “Plan a special day [with their sexual partner] when you can experiment. Just talking about how you’ll use all of those condoms can be a turn on.” Becoming A Responsible Teen teaches 14 year olds that “Some ‘grocery store’ lubricants are safe to use if they do not contain oil: grape jelly, maple syrup, and honey.”
“Turn about is fair play,” commented Martinez.
“Contraceptive sex education has been feeding the children of America this unhealthy garbage for years,” concluded Unruh. “The youth of America are calling for a higher standard, and they are living up to those expectations. This is the truth that SIECUS is desperate to hide.”
-77-
Soda Machines and Abstinence - Similar Health Messages? - by Joneen [9.14.2005] Last November my experience at the DASH Funded Partner’s Meeting was very interesting. There was a break out session that I went to that was highlighting different school district’s initiatives to improve the health and well-being of their students. One district was pounding their collective chests because they were able to remove sugary drinks like Coke and Pepsi from the vending machines and replace them with healthier choices like water, juice or milk. I was fascinated at how proud they were that this was going to help childhood obesity.
Heard Leslee on Rush - by sickandtired [8.26.2005] I heard Rush talking about Leslee’s interview with Paula Zahn
Wives' Tale True? Erotic Images Cause Temporary Blindness - by Education [8.24.2005] A new study published in Discovery News shows that people become momentarily blind (about 1/5th of a second) atfer seeing a sexually graphic image. Maybe the old wives' tale is true.
Contraceptive Providers Outdated - by Louisa M. Alcott [8.23.2005] Have you ever heard the one, “We have to teach explicit sex education because the parents are not talking to their kids?”
Not true.
The latest Teen-Aid research done by an independent evaluator from Whitworth College profiles the non-virgin (sexually active) teen. This sexually-active teen uses alcohol, smokes cigarettes, has increased contraceptive information, and feels that contraception is easy to get and that contraceptive information comes from his or her parents. The sexually active adolescent is more likely to have a mother who has not graduated from college and he/she does not attend religious services. According to the research, these sexually active students also believed that condoms made sex safe.
Next, in terms of predictors of teen premarital sex, were student views on the efficacy of condom use. Specifically, students who regarded the use of condoms as a means to make sex safe were more likely to have had premarital sex.
Think about it. The parents of today’s junior and senior high students graduated from high school in the mid to late 70’s through mid to late 80’s. They were steeped in contraceptive promotion and a casual sex culture. They know the mantra, “if you are going to have sex at least use birth control so you don’t have a baby.” And they are blindly passing it to their children. Parents of today’s teens are talking to their adolescents about sex; the real problem is they are telling their kids, “because I didn’t know to wait, how can I expect you to be capable of waiting.”
It’s a new day. It’s a new social climate that allows more than half of high school teens to wait. Parents need permission and courage to make the shift because of new information available. They are not hypocrites if they promote abstinence. They should not live life based on failed personal experiences.
-Louisa M. Alcott
After Decades of Condom Classes, People Still Not Using - by Christina Espenscheid [8.22.2005] Sex education has been in schools for more than 40 years. Condom classes, including condom demonstrations and condom races became en vogue in the mid 1980s as AIDS instilled fear across the nation. For years, children as young as five (did you ever see the clip of Magic Johnson explaining condoms to kindergartners on the PBS special?) were exposed to demonstrations on proper steps to perfect condom use. Kaiser Family Foundation in 2002 reported that 9 out of 10 students receive condom-based sex education before high school graduation.
And what is the result of the relentless messages on condom usage and the steps to put on a condom? Not much, according to a new study out of the United Kingdom.
As reported in Reuters Health, “Many visitors to a sexual health clinic report incorrect usage of condoms, which appears to lead to a statistically significant increase risk of gonorrhea among men.”
The researchers interviewed 1124 people visiting an STD clinic about their use of condoms and if they made any mistakes while using a condom in the past 30 days.
- More than half had not used a condom the last time they had sex
- more than 40 percent of both men and women said they had not squeezed air out of the tip of the condom before using it
- More than 40 percent of men and more than 30 percent of women reported that a condom broke during intercourse
- About one third of men and women they had not held the base of a condom during withdrawal
- 24 percent of men and 30 percent of women did not leave a space at the tip of the condom
- Many started having sex before using a condom
The researchers conclude that people need more education on how to use condoms. This conclusion is just wrong. The instructions have been driven into their heads since childhood. The instructions are on the condom box. The steps to perfect condom use are everywhere. The United Kingdom is flooded with contraception- and condom-based sex education. What is not taught there are lessons on self control, respect, and responsibility inherent in abstinence education.
If, as sex educators claim, people don’t have the self-control to abstain from sex before they reach the heat of passion, how can they have the self control needed to follow each and every step of condom use during and immediately after the passionate event?
People will never use condoms 100 percent perfectly, 100 percent of the time. Therefore condoms will never prevent enough disease to stem the HIV and STD epidemics. Studies do show that when teens are taught the medically-accurate truth about the risks (physical, emotional, mental, and social) of sexual activity and limitations of condoms, along with the benefits of abstinence and the refusal skills needed to deflect and reject sexual advances, they will abstain.
Regions around the world with the greatest amount of sexual abstinence and marital fidelity have the lowest rates of STD and HIV/AIDS. Abstinence works. Condoms don’t.
-Christina Espenscheid
Two Reports Shed Light on Truly Effective HIV Prevention - by Christina Espenscheid [8.19.2005] Two interesting articles have been released this week that together give an insight into effective HIV/AIDS prevention. The first is an article in the San Francisco Chronicle looking at the utter lack of evidence of success for the world’s largest HIV prevention effort, South Africa’s loveLife. The second comes from Population Services International, and a report from Cameroon and Madagascar and the factors that lead to teen abstinence.
Despite six years of funding, totaling more than $130 million, the loveLife program has not changed the rate of HIV among pregnant women and girls. The program, heralded by many internationally as a “model program” and funded by the Kaiser Family Foundation and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, encourages frank discussion and education about HIV/AIDS. The program also features condom distribution and a slick, sophisticated (sometimes cryptic) marketing campaign. The problem seems to be that the loveLife campaign promotes sex, not just discussions of sex. The rates of teen abstinence and the number of sexual partners among the youth of South Africa, even among those that participate in loveLife, are not dropping. Could it be the condom distribution? The next article helps draw that conclusion.
Population Services International (PSI) has released a synopsis of a Working Paper the organization authored (posted below). Look at the last line: “the study finds that secondary abstinence is in part due to difficulties in obtaining or using modern family planning methods or condoms.” More condoms and birth control do not mean safer sex…just more sex. A lack of condoms and birth control in Madagascar and Cameroon led to teen abstinence. Abstinent teens have zero risk of exposure to HIV/AIDS. Sexually active teens who use “modern family planning methods” are at great risk for exposure to HIV, since none have ever been shown to reduce the risk of HIV transmission. Every honest expert in the world admits that condoms break, slip, and that people do not use then consistently or correctly. Therefore, teens who use condoms are still at grave risk for HIV.
Indeed, this PSI report once again shows that abstinence is possible. That teen can and will abstain. And, that mixing the message of abstinence with condom distribution is not healthy.
-Christina Espenscheid
Students: Expect More and We Will Perform! - by Christina Espenscheid [8.18.2005] If schools expected more of their students, would students perform better?
The answer may surprise some, but according a report released by the Horatio Alger Association, “nine in ten (88%) students say that if their high schools set higher academic standards, and raised expectations for how much course work and studying were necessary to earn a diploma, they would apply themselves more. Fully seven in ten (72%) students say that feel strongly about this.”
The Horatio Alger Association released this week, “The State of Our Nations Youth, 2005-2006.” This report is on a survey of 13-19 year olds about school, family and life issues. Although questions are not asked on sexual activity, I did find the answers about the expectations high schools place on students very insightful.
We as abstinence educations are always calling for parents and administrators to raise the bar of expected behavior for sexual activity. In this case, students are calling for parents and administrators to raise the bar of expectation in regards to academic work. Considering that another survey found more than 90% of teens feel abstinence should be stressed during high school, is it a far stretch to believe that the teens are willing to live up to high standards of behavior if educators, administrators and parents expected a higher standard of behavior? I think not.
It is time that we stop mixing the message of purity with sub-standard sex education. Abstinence (purity) educators should go and demand that administrators provide a higher standard for their students. Parents should also be educated and challenged to expect more.
After all, if students want better for something as “inconsequential” as education (one can always go back and get more education), shouldn’t the same be true for something as life-altering as sexual activity (one can’t go back and change pregnancy, HIV, Herpes, and heartbreak).
-Christina Espenscheid
International Abstinence Conference Thoughts - by Education [8.15.2005] "This year's NAC conference was the single most important opportunity for networking that BreakDown has ever experienced. As a result of this opportunity to present our program to the abstinence community, we have had requests from over 40 programs to expand our program into other cities, representing 20 different states and 3 countries! The response to BreakDown by the international community was exciting and overwhelming to say the least! We will always be grateful for the wonderful work of the NAC and the continued opportunities they offer for networking and support for such a vital message."
Sincerely,
Aimee Short
BreakDown
Tuscon, AZ
The Abstinence Clearinghouse continued to excel at what it does best--networking people for abstinence--at its recent 9th Annual International Abstinence Conference in California. With the warm, sunny location of Hollywood, the Clearinghouse's very hospitable staff, marvelous speakers, and a GREAT turnout of abstinence educators and youth from around the world, the conference was the Clearinghouse's best ever. Thank you for including Project Reality among your exhibitors. We look forward to another fabulous conference next summer in New Orleans!
Project Reality
Golf, IL
(Gold Sponsor)
-----Original Message-----
Wonderful conference, I learned so much!
My question- Who wrapped up the four little carrots and two string beans with the chive for the dinner? They must have had tiny fingers!
Wolfgang is quite the cook!
Thanks,
Reggie Chapman
Three Rivers, MI
-----Original Message-----
Lots of good information and speakers – THANK YOU to all of you at the AC for ALL you did to make it happen. You are an awesome bunch!
Vicki Larson
Fargo, ND 58103
-----Original Message-----
Dear Leslee and Staff,
Thank you for producing and directing another OUTSTANDING EVENT. The Hollywood Conference literally knocked my socks off. You all are such consummate professionals.
I am truly honored to be an affiliate member.
Continue to fight the good fight.
Love and Blessings!
Kai Dallas
iAK Health Communications
Los Angeles, CA
(Purple and Blue Sponsor)
-----Original Message-----
To the entire staff:
Thank you for a great conference. I personally felt very well taken care of. I greatly appreciated the position of booth. Christina was great in taking me to the table with the entertainers. I believe this is one of the smoothest conferences, ever. Your staff was so professional, accommodating and helpful that other people commented on how they felt appreciated and cared for. It was a rally for the warriors. Thanks again.
Blessings to you all as you put things back together in your office.
Sincerely enjoyed it,
LeAnna Benn
Teen-Aid
Spokane, WA
(Red Sponsor)
-----Original Message-----
“It was wonderful. You all continue to out do yourselves each year!”
Darla Lucas
Berryville, AR
-----Original Message-----
“The conference was FANTASTIC. Once again your team did an outstanding job this year. I so appreciate your long hours, passion, and commitment to this generation.”
Garth Heckman
Applegate, MN
Black & White Productions
(Purple Sponsor)
-----Original Message-----
“The conference was the best! Thank you for all that you do.”
Nancy Pierce
Valpraiso, IN
Let Local PBS Know How You Feel about “Shelby Knox” This Week! - by Christina Espenscheid [8.11.2005] The annual PBS telethon fundraiser is going on now. Programming is interrupted every twenty minutes or so to issue a plea for your generosity. Last night, in South Dakota, the announcer issued a challenge that I took personally.
He said something to the effect of, “Here at your local PBS, we are committed to running hours of family-friendly programming every day. When you and your family sit down at night and turn us on, you know you will be seeing balanced programming that is not offensive. If we have earned your trust, please let us know by calling in now.”
So I did. I asked the volunteer if there was a station manager I could speak with. Then I calmly explained that I was still sickened and horrified that my local PBS station would run a documentary filmed by the producers of HBO’s “Real Sex” and funded by The Playboy Foundation, followed by "real comments" from teens recruited by NARAL.
I was told that I must be mistaken, that they would not do such a thing.
Actually, I clarified, the “Point of View” program, titled, “The Education of Shelby Knox” is the program to which I am referring. It is highly biased and offensive, and exactly the type of programming your announcer just decried. Because of that program, I am not going to pledge $45 per month to PBS, and will instead make the donation to an abstinence education program. Thank you for listening.
I hung up and wrote out the check to a Nigerian abstinence program who attended the Abstinence Clearinghouse Conference.
Please take this week to remind your local PBS that programming does matter, and abstinence education has friends who do not forget.
-Christina Espenscheid
World Health Organization Classifies Oral Contraceptives as Highly Carcinogenic - by Education [8.10.2005] In a press release issued July 29, 2005, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a division of the World Health Organization (WHO), classified combined estrogen-progestogen oral contraceptives (OCs) as highly carcinogenic.
The press release stated: "Previously, combined oral contraceptives had been determined to be carcinogenic to humans, but only primary liver cancer was specifically implicated. The Working Group concluded that combined oral contraceptives alter the risk of several common cancers in women. They increase a woman's risk of cervical cancer, breast cancer, and liver cancer."
Church's HIV Message Should not Change - by Education [7.30.2005] Bioethicist Amin Abboud from the Australasian Bioethics Information had a letter to the British Medical Journal published on July 30. The purpose of the letter was to call an end to the scapegoating of faith-based organizations, especially the Catholic Church for the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The Catholic Church has been a target by traditional anti-AIDS groups because of thier moral stand for abstinence and marriage, and against contraceptionuse, including condoms. As Abboud points out, regions where Catholism is the most prevelant, also have the lowest HIV/AIDS rates. Coincidence? Abboud and I think not.
Environmentalists Rejoice! Ugandan Abstinence Too Successful, Population Dropping? - by Christina Espenscheid [7.27.2005] Some people are never happy! People are now complaining that abstinence education in Uganda is too successful... They predict that the population might begin to drop. This, because there are fewer teen mothers, and more people waiting until marriage (after they complete their schooling) to begin their families.
But, these same people used to complain that population in Africa was a problem. I used to be an environmentalist. At one job, I was made to teach children that population in Africa was a problem, and the cheetahs would go extinct, if African nations did not limit their population growth. (This is why I left the position.)
Groups like Population Services International and the UNFPA, traditional opponents of abstinence education who have distributed hundreds of millions of condoms, began as efforts to control population growth in Africa. Using their same population-control measures, they made big bucks, attempting (and failing) to stop the spread of AIDS. It seems that they missed the mark. Abstinence is the best way to prevent STD and pregnancy. Now that the science is in, will they suddenly change and start promoting abstinence until marriage? I am willing to bet they will not.
Too bad, though. People are dying because of the failed policies of the population control crowd. I, on the other hand, will continue to support abstinence for the health of it.
By the way. I suspect that the reports of a drop in population are premature. Once the young men and women finish their education and get married, they will establish families. These families, unlike many of their parents, will be healthy and whole, without HIV. Their children will also grow up and have healthy families in marriage.
-Christina Espenscheid
Sex with Animals Legal in Washington State - by Big Al [7.26.2005] The state of Washington this last week legalized sex with animals. However it isn't clear whether they can just cohabitate prior to marriage and if they fall in love whether they can get married.
One guy tested the system and wanted to marry his horse. The judge said he wanted to talk to the horse. He asked the horse, "Do you want to marry this guy?" The horse said, "Nayyyyyyyyy." The judge then ruled it out because the horse wasn't 18.
One guy married his dog and I asked the dog how married life was and the dog said, "Rough, rough."
New Washington State motto: “Once you go black stallion, you never go back."
One man was arrested for having sex with a sheep. He pleaded not guilty because he said it was consensual. The sheep have him that "come and get it" look. But in court testimony when the sheep was asked how it was, the sheep said, "Baaaaad."
PETA’s president has mixed emotions on this issue as she wants animal rights, but is very concerned about rape and abuse. Not all animals can express their opinions in a language that we can decipher whether they prefer this or not.
I don't think sex with animals will turn out to be the cats meow.
Anyway, these are my thoughts from BIG AL, author of the First Clean Sex Joke Book
'Condoms are for Whites' and Other Statements from Kenya - by Education [7.23.2005] From Kenya...
Ramadhan Kajembe, a member of parliment from the Changamwe, while debating a proposed law on regulating advertising stated that he felt that condom advertising was offensive. He laso went on to make several anti-condom statements including that condoms were invented by whites and should be banned in Kenya and that condoms were painful to put on.
Lowering Standards - by Youth Advisory Council Member [7.21.2005] We don't want society to have to lower their standards to accommodate us, we want to be able to set the standard and let people realize that we are strong and can stay abstinent.
NARAL Party "Real Dangerous" - by Education [7.13.2005] The Washington Examiner has the best statement about the Washington State National Abortion Rights and Action League's "Screw Abstinence " Party....
American College of Pediatricians Recommends Abstinence - by Communications [7.8.2005] The American College of Pediatricians has issued the following response to the American Academy od Pediatricians' paper on teen pregnancy.
Doctors' Prescription Dangerous for Kids - by Libby Gray [7.8.2005] "The AAP has articulated one outcome of teen sexual activity, but has failed to see the proper solution to this complex issue," stated Libby Gray, director of Project Reality. "By focusing solely on teen pregnancy, they have neglected the emotional health of our teens as well as the epidemic rates of sexually transmitted diseases and have disregarded the fact that both teens and parents in America want to hear an abstinence message."
Abstinence Ed Seems to Work - by Education [7.7.2005] "The point of abstinence education is to provide a clear counterweight to a sex-infused popular culture and to influence teens' attitudes for the better."
They get it! - Education
So-Called “Safe Sex” Advocates Censor Safety Info - by Education [7.1.2005] Who wants full information and education to be given to the public about the risks of sexual activity and limitations? So-called “safe sex” advocates claim to want to give people the education and information they need to make “responsible choices” about sexual activity. Why then are these promiscuity promoters attempting to stop condom labels from giving accurate information about which sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) condoms can “reduce the risk” (not prevent, as Webster’s defines “to prevent” as to keep from happening or existing, and many people who use condoms still get STDs and/or pregnant), and which STDs condoms can not “reduce the risk.”
Serial Murders and Sexual Fantasy.... A Sex Ed Connection? - by Education [6.27.2005] Could sex educaiton be creating more BTK killers in the classrooms of America? Pages 55 and 56 of the Guidelines for Comprehensive Sexuality Education promote the use of sexual fantasy. In fact, In the Guidelines, 15 through 18 year olds are even taught that “some people use erotic photographs, movies, art, literature, or the internet to enhance their sexual fantasies when alone or with a partner.”
Internationals Turning to US, Abstinence for Teen Sex Solutions - by Education [6.17.2005] In a week that has seen positive news for abstinence educators, the international community is signaling their desire to be included. Yesterday, the Russians published an article about a new abstinence education initiative. Today, the Japanese weigh in.
Thoughts on current HIV Prevention in the United States - by Partick Henry [6.14.2005] We're spending hundreds of millions on the stormiest sea of life with no compasses, no fixed stars to steer by, no rudder and no anchor. And we wonder why they end up shipwrecked on the sea shore of life.
Abstinence vs. Condoms debate hurts AIDS Prevention efforts? No Way! - by Education [6.13.2005] The CDC announced today that contrary to their previously stated plans, the US HIV/AIDS rate have not been cut in half by this year. While some blame this failure of prevention on the ongoing struggle between messages emphasizing abstinence and condom use, the truth is CDC spend less than $1 million of its $900 million HIV prevention budget on abstinence programs
New Drug Use Trend from the HIV/AIDS Prevention Conference & the Imlications - by Education [6.13.2005] From the HIV/AIDS Prevention Conference this morning: methamphetamine suppositories are the latest drug on the homosexual sexual scene. Thankfully, the leaders seem to be shocked at this development. (As compared to the news stories in 2002 where drug use was practically accepted and considered a fact of life by some at circuit parties to raise funds for AIDS groups. –see article below) But, even as they expressed shock, will they try something new to protect the lives and health of their sexual cohort?
Abstinence Funds Increased! - by Education [6.9.2005] $10.802 Million more under the House subcommittee on Labor, HHS and Education mark up -- More to come.
Condom Social Marketing Under Attack - by Education [6.8.2005] People across the world are speaking out against condom social marketing in the form of television advertisements to adolescents. Today’s story comes from New Zealand. - Education
“Freshly Toasted” Internet Smut - by Education [6.6.2005] In a new ad campaign, Subway restaurants claims to have doubled their menu options. In reality, there are no truly new options on the menu, the difference is if the sandwich is oven “freshly toasted” or served with the original, soft, non-toasted bread. While more sandwich options make a tastier lunch for me, I have lost my appetite over a plan to increase availability of Internet porn. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) announced its intention to introduce new options for Internet pornography, with the .xxx domain, effectively doubling the site names available for the smut. “Freshly toasted” does not even begin to identify my feelings towards this new assault on sexual purity. - Education
Love affects the brain like thirst, hunger - by Education [6.3.2005] Love is patient, love is kind. Love is addicting? More brain chemical reasons that sex is not meant for teens or unmarried people. - Education
Sex Hormone Creates Trust - by Education [6.2.2005] Could elevated levels of oxytocin in sexually active teens make them more likely to stay in unhealthy relationships? What impact does this have on the contraception pushers who rely on creating distrust between the unmarried people as a means to promote condom use ("STDs often have no symptoms, therefore you can't just trust someone who says they are clean.")? Nearly every teen movie has a scene where the boyfriend says, "Just trust me"... Now we might know why the girl inevitably does. - Education
Sex Education Makes Strange Bedfellows - by Washington [6.2.2005] Playboy and the National Abortion Rights and Action League (NARAL) have no vested interested in pushing sex on children, do they? And, everyone knows PBS (supported by your tax dollars) is politically neutral, right?
Yet, Playboy, NARAL, and PBS have all hopped into bed (pun intended) to slam abstinence education. The Playboy Foundation funded a film that was debuted at a National Abortion Rights and Action League (NARAL) function, and will be aired on PBS. The film is the story of a girl that fights against abstinence education in Texas. Read the synopsis below, and call you local station to ask them to not air such a blatantly biased piece.
Is "Common Ground" Possible? - by Education [6.1.2005] Last spring, former Surgeon General , Dr. David Satcher, held a "common ground" conference. The goal was to come together and find "common ground" between proponents of contraceptive sex education and and abstinence education. The following press release explains why one abstinence education supporter, Concerned Women for America, is leaving the "common ground" process.
Clearly, when people can not even agree that teen sexual activity is a problem, "common ground" on the issue of responsible sexual behavior may not be possible.
- Education
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