December 15, 2011 – Wednesday night, a spending bill was released by the House to fund the government through the end of FY 2012. Within the bill, congressional leaders reestablished a program for the Sexual Risk Avoidance (SRA) approach of abstinence education. This decision corrects the present sex education policy that prevents most students from receiving the skills and education necessary to avoid sexual risk. Valerie Huber, Executive Director of NAEA stated: "We commend leaders in both the House and Senate for proposing this necessary adjustment to current federal sex education policy. Obviously, leaders on both sides of the aisle were concerned that students were not currently receiving the skills they need to avoid all sexual risk. The current unprecedented censorship must end and the proposed FY 2012 bill is a promising step in the right direction."

Last night's decision will help to reinforce the healthy decisions of nearly 75% of 15-17 year olds who have not had sex. The reestablishment of an SRA program will provide community based abstinence education services to the growing number of teens with whom the abstinence message resonates. Research shows that students benefit from these SRA classes, regardless of their sexual experience. Teens who are part of effective SRA programs are significantly more likely to delay sex. In addition, those who become sexually active are no less likely to use a condom if they become sexually active, but they will, on average, have fewer lifetime partners.

"We urge Congress to permanently reassert this best health message within the public health messaging and sex education priorities for youth," added Huber.

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NAEA is a professional association representing organizations and individuals who support a priority on risk avoidance through abstinence education. NAEA members serve students across the nation. For more information, visit the NAEA website: www.theNAEA.org and www.abstinenceworks.org.