Governor Corzine Stands Up for Honesty in the Classroom, Rejects Unproven Bush-Backed Program

Washington, DC- Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, and Jennifer Moore Conrow, board chair of NARAL Pro-Choice New Jersey, commended Gov. Jon Corzine and his administration for standing up for honest, realistic sex education.

Gov. Corzine's administration has refused to participate in a federal "abstinence-only" program for the 2006-2007 school year, making New Jersey the fourth state to reject this ideologically based, factually inaccurate program. The Bush administration mandates that states must adhere to strict "abstinence-only" guidelines, despite no evidence in current scientific research that such programs are effective. Moreover, the program requires states to match federal funds – yet gives them no say in the curriculum. 

"NARAL Pro-Choice New Jersey appreciates Gov. Corzine's commitment to ensuring that health education in New Jersey is rooted in science rather than ideology," Conrow said. "We look forward to working with the governor and his allies as they continue efforts to promote and improve the health of all New Jersey young people."

Keenan said, "As a former teacher and state superintendent of education, I have seen firsthand how important it is that young people receive honest, medically accurate information.  Realistic, traditional sex education is one way to ensure that we are empowering families and parents.  Values are taught at home, while the facts are taught at school."

Keenan and Conrow also said that Gov. Corzine's leadership complements the work of Sens. Frank Lautenberg and Robert Menendez in Congress.  Sen. Menendez has authored a landmark bill to prevent teen pregnancy and protect the health and well-being of young people.  Sen. Lautenberg is the chief sponsor of legislation that would establish the first-ever sex-education program at the federal level.   Sens. Menendez and Lautenberg continue their steadfast leadership in addressing this important issue by introducing such constructive proposals. 

There is also overwhelming public support for honest sex education: Ninety-nine percent of Americans believe it is appropriate for young people to have information about STDs, and 94 percent of Americans think it is appropriate to teach young people about birth control. [National Public Radio et al., Sex Education in America, General Public/Parents Survey (Jan. 2004)]

Contact:
Ted Miller, 202.973.3032