We are aware of findings that demonstrate that public school sex education curricula vary widely across Florida.  The schools have an enormous responsibility to the young people, to their parents, to society.  The programs for sex education or for personal development offered in the public schools are of the greatest importance for the well-being of our young people and of our society.  We appreciate the interest in promoting more uniform standards across our state, but must nonetheless express our opposition to SB 848 for the following reasons: 

1.                  SB 848 deviates from abstinence as the expected standard for school-aged children in Florida.   Florida law has precedent in the area of sex and AIDS education.  In both Chapters 1003.42 and 1003.46, abstinence is the expected standard for all school-aged children.  While SB 848 does include mention of abstinence and its value, it veers in terms of expected behaviors.  Educators know that mixed messages are highly problematic when communicating with children.   

2.                 Studies show that “abstinence plus contraceptive sex education” can have disastrous effects, especially increasing incidence of sexual activity.  It is important that our sex education programs promote the value of chastity.  The sense of responsibility is diluted by an exaggerated sense of freedom that seeks primarily to minimize risks of STDs and pregnancy. Instead of developing a sense of moral and personal control, they offer contraceptives, information on birth control and referral for abortion. We highlight the plight of California, a state in which 96% of school districts report using “comprehensive sex education” curricula.  In a 2007 study in the Californian Journal of Health Promotion showed that there were 1.1M new cases of STDs in 2005.  This figure was ten times higher than previously believed.  If the study is accurate, STDs now infect one in four Californians from age 15 to 24.  The direct medical costs to treat this epidemic are staggering.  It seems that the policy meant to protect teens is backfiring and should be reconsidered.  Florida ought to avoid the same mistake. 

3.                  Parents and teens support “abstinence only” education.  A major polling organization (Zogby) found that over 90% of parents believe children should be taught to abstain from sex at least until after high school.  Eighty-four percent (84%) supported a higher standard, in which teens would be taught to abstain until after marriage or close to marriage.  Even teens themselves have indicated that they prefer abstinence only education.  These abstinence programs have demonstrated positive results among students in terms of highlighting medically accurate information and helping them to embrace the abstinence standard in Florida law. 

4.                  Social science data show that teens who abstain from sex do substantially better on a wide range of outcomes. For example, studies indicate that teens who abstain from sex are less likely to be depressed and to attempt suicide; to contract STDs; to have children out-of-wedlock; and to live in poverty and welfare dependence as adults.  Finally, teens who delay sexual activity are more likely to have stable and enduring marriages as adults. 

5.                 Sexually active children can alter behavior and abstain from sex going forward.  While a number of high school students are already engaging in sexual activity, encouraging present and future abstinence helps sexually active teens resume abstinence until marriage.  Studies show that once children begin to engage in sexual behavior, they are more likely to continue.  However, continuing to offer the expectation that they will abstain is more helpful, especially when they confront emotional or other pain that results from sexual relationships.  Studies suggest that over 60% of teen sexual relationships last more than 3 months; over 80% end within 6 months.   

We often cite the maxim, “as goes the family, so goes society.”  The policy that directs the education of our children in the area sexuality, marriage and the raising of families is quite possibly one of the most sensitive and profoundly significant areas of public policy in Florida law.  We believe that any course on human sexuality must have the following three characteristics: a) It must present the ethical/moral dimensions of human sexuality; b) it must not be an expression of any one sectarian or secular philosophy; c) it must respect the conscience of the students and the rights of their parents.   

A clear manifestation of the problem we face today is seen in the ever-rising abortion rate in Florida, which has increased by more than 10,000 abortions a year since 1985, reaching in excess of 95,000 abortions in 2006.  In our view the approach taken in this legislation will exacerbate this problem.  

For the reasons above, we must oppose SB 848/HB 449, which though well intended, would provide education that falls short of policies needed to strengthen the fabric of our society and promote the health and well-being of our children and families of tomorrow.   

March 28, 2008