For Immediate Release
February 9, 2015

Contact: Kristina Romines
Phone: (202) 265-2405 ext 333
kromines@siecus.org

Final Obama Administration budget request calls for end to “Abstinence Education,” includes increases for adolescent sexual health promotion programs

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Earlier today, President Obama released his fiscal year 2017 budget, the final budget of his administration. The President’s Budget supports the sexual health of our nation’s youth by eradicating abstinence-only-until-marriage funding, increasing funds for the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program, maintaining funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Adolescent and School Health, and calling for a five-year extension of the Personal Responsibility Education Program.

The Sexuality Information and Education Council of the U.S. (SIECUS) Vice President for Policy, Interim President and CEO, Jesseca Boyer, issued the following statement in response:

“SIECUS is grateful for President Obama’s leadership in seeking to end abstinence-only-until-marriage funding once and for all. After three decades and nearly $2 billion in federal spending wasted on this failed approach, the President’s proposed budget increases support for programs and efforts that seek to equip young people with the skills they need to ensure their lifelong sexual health and well-being.

“SIECUS also applauds the President’s proposed $4 million increase for the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program, helping communities implement evidence-informed and innovative strategies to support the sexual health of our nation’s youth.”

“The continued funding for the Division of Adolescent and School Health and request for future Personal Responsibility Education Program funding demonstrates this administration’s commitment to secure the right to quality sexuality education for young people.”

###

SIECUS affirms that sexuality is a fundamental part of being human, one that is worthy of dignity and respect. We advocate for the right of all people to accurate information, comprehensive education about sexuality, and sexual health services. SIECUS works to create a world that ensures social justice and sexual rights.