Governor supports abstinence funding

With Gov. George Pataki's recent announcement to set aside $7 million for abstinence education and Assemblyman John Faso's bill which would allocate approximately $20 million for similar programs, abstinence education could become more prevalent in the state.

"We're very optimistic," said Kathleen Gallagher, associate executive director of the New York State Catholic Conference, which represents the bishops in public policy matters.

However, she explained, the Governor's abstinence allocation is part of his budget proposal and will not be official until the budget is approved. Assemblyman Faso's bill and its companion in the State Senate require legislative action before they are implemented.

Urging contact

The Conference is urging Catholics to contact state legislators to voice their support for abstinence education programs. "We're urging people to call the Governor to thank him," Mrs. Gallagher said. "He has put himself out on a limb."

"We are pleased the Governor recognizes the benefits of providing children with the tools they need to resist the pressures of today's society and to engage in healthy behaviors," said Cardinal John O'Connor, archbishop of New York and president of the New York State Catholic Conference. "Surely, parents want and need this kind of support and leadership from elected officials."

Mrs. Gallagher also advises calling Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver to urge them to designate state funds for abstinence education.

Problem and solution

According to John M. Kerry, executive director of the State Catholic Conference, New York has one of the highest rates of out-of-wedlock pregnancy and abortion in the country.

"The traditional response of pouring more money into contraceptive-based sex education programs for young people has failed," Mr. Kerry said. "Abstinence education programs in other parts of the country have proven the effectiveness of this approach in preventing early sexual activity and resulting pregnancy and welfare dependency. We commend the Governor's commitment and leadership on this issue, and we call on the Legislature to fully support the plan."

According to Mrs. Gallagher, while abstinence education makes sense, there are those who are against it. "They say there is no evidence that it works," she said. "But there is evidence that contraceptive education doesn't work. We have programs to teach `just say no' to drugs and alcohol; why not [the same lesson on] early sexual activity?"

(07-24-97) [[In-content Ad]]