Strickland stance on sex-ed funds is wise
Letter to the Editor Toledo Blade
As a taxpayer, I have personally and publicly thanked Gov. Ted Strickland for his decision not to reapply for federal grants that support "abstinence-only" programs. According to a poll released recently by Quinnipiac University, I am not alone. Fifty-three percent of respondents who have children in public school support this decision. We can all agree that any sex-education curriculum should be abstinence based, but it cannot be abstinence only. When asked if sex-education programs should focus "mainly on the value of abstinence," "mainly on the value of condoms and contraception use," or "on both equally" 71 percent said it should focus on both equally. Ohioans realize that the best way to protect our teens from sexually transmitted disease and unintended pregnancy is to teach medically accurate, age-appropriate information about contraception while encouraging them to remain abstinent. Please join me in thanking Governor Strickland for ensuring not only that our teens learn how to stay safe and healthy, but ensuring that our tax dollars are spent wisely. Kellie Copeland
Executive Director
NARAL Pro-Choice Ohio
Cleveland
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