Stop Abstinence-Only Program Funding in Illinois

Tell Governor Quinn to reject funding for abstinence-only-until-marriage programs in Illinois! In Fiscal Year 2008, Illinois received nearly $8 million through the federal Title V program for abstinence-only programs in schools and communities.

Yet studies have found abstinence-only programs to be inaccurate, ineffective, and incomplete in educating our youth on crucial sexual health issues -- a prime example of wasteful spending.

In 2008 alone, the Title V program distributed over $178 million to states, with nearly $8 million pouring into Illinois. That same year, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health, over 26,000 youth ages 15 to 19 contracted Chlamydia and gonorrhea. Nationally, one in four adolescent females has a sexually transmitted infection.

The money funding these failed programs should be redirected toward responsible sexual health education that informs youth how to make healthy decisions and promotes lifelong responsibility. Investment in responsible sexual health education contributes to a healthy and productive society.

Urge Governor Quinn and your Congressional representatives to reject Title V money in Illinois. Legislators need to hear from people who want to eliminate wasteful spending and support responsible approaches to sexual health education. Take action today!

For more information:

Read more about the history of abstinence-only-until-marriage funding in the United States.

Read more about abstinence-only programs in Illinois.