Title

Abstinence-only Adolescent Education: Ineffective, Unpopular and Unconstitutional

Abstract

This article examines the recent changes in the funding of “abstinence only” educational programs that attempt to reduce the incidence of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Although funding for these programs was previously ruled to be facially constitutional, this is no longer the case as their lack of efficacy for their stated purpose has been exposed. Newer programs are in direct violation of unconstitutional conditions doctrine, and none of these programs address a significant segment of the student population, lesbian and gay students. My article addresses this oversight as dangerous public health policy as well as a potential constitutional violation in light of the recent Lawrence v. Texas ruling, which struck down the remaining sodomy laws.

Disciplines

Constitutional Law | Education Law | Health Law and Policy | Sexuality and the Law

Date of this Version

February 2004