The FY 2010 Omnibus Spending Bill passed by Congress last week and signed by President Obama on Dec. 16, eliminates $95M for abstinence-only-until-marriage programs and replaces it with $114M for evidence-based, scientifically accurate comprehensive sexuality education programs.  This is a major win for those who believe in providing young people with the accurate, honest sexual health information they need to help them stay healthy and avoid unwanted pregnancy and disease.

Additionally, the bill creates the first-ever Office of Adolescent Health (OAH) in the Department of Health and Human Services.  According to James Wagoner of Advocates for Youth, “This is a major step forward in ensuring that the sexual and reproductive health of young people will be monitored by public health professionals rather than ideologues as in the past.” To read Wagoner’s complete report on the issue, click here.

Tags: abstinence