Stop Abstinence Only Programs From Misleading America's Youth

As parents, sisters, brothers, aunts and uncles – we all want our young loved ones to grow up to be informed, responsible and safe.

But as "abstinence-only" programs have replaced sex education in many of our nation's schools, the number of teenagers having unprotected sex has actually increased, making America the country with the highest teen-pregnancy rates in the industrialized world.

Join parents around the country in stopping this campaign of misinformation. Sign the petition.

According to a Congressional analysis, "abstinence only programs are teaching our kids that abortion can lead to sterility and suicide, that half the gay male teenagers in the United States have tested positive for the AIDS virus, and that touching a person's genitals "can result in pregnancy."

The outcome: abstinence-only education programs have failed to decrease sexual activity, unwanted pregnancies, and the spread of sexually transmitted infections among today's teenagers. And the number of teenagers having unprotected sex has actually increased!

It's time to set the right-wing straight: Misleading young people about sex and birth control is NOT a "family value." It's setting our kids up for greater rates of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

Are you a parent? Do you know a parent? Then sign the Parents' Petition to oppose "abstinence-only" programs and support the Responsible Education About Life (REAL) Act - legislation that would establish a nationwide sex-education program.