Today, Senator Lindsey Graham (SC) introduced the Abstinence Education Reallocation Act in the Senate, together with original cosponsor Senator John Thune (SD). The bill will place a priority on Sexual Risk Avoidance (SRA) as the optimal choice among America’s teens. Since nearly 75% of 15-17 year olds are now sexually abstinent, the need to encourage these healthy behaviors is essential.

Valerie Huber, Executive Director of NAEA applauded Senator Graham’s efforts: “In a perplexing move, President Obama is calling on Congress to eliminate every penny devoted to the Sexual Risk Avoidance abstinence approach despite the fact that studies show this approach is effective. We are happy that Senator Graham is infusing science and common sense back into the sex education discussion. This bill seeks the best health interests of America’s youth.”

Social science research extols the benefits of delayed sexual onset, which reach far beyond the prevention of pregnancy and STDs.  “We cannot overestimate the societal and individual benefits associated with sexual abstinence before marriage,” adds Huber.

The Graham bill is a Senate companion to HR 2874, introduced by Rep. Randy Hultgren (IL) in the House. The House version has acquired almost 70 cosponsors spanning both sides of the aisle, showing widespread support for this strategy among Members. “It’s time for the Senate to do the same,” concluded Huber.