Twenty-two states and the District of Columbia have refused millions of federal dollars allotted for abstinence-only education programs for the upcoming fiscal year. According to the Associated Press, only 28 states still accept Title V funding.
The Administration of Children and Families also reports that Arizona and Iowa will not participate as of fiscal year 2010, according to RH Reality Check. SIECUS calculations indicate nearly $24 million will be turned down nation-wide this year.
Until September 2005, California was the only state to refuse funding. The nearly 40 percent drop in acceptance is attributed to rampant distrust of the program’s effectiveness and constant uncertainty regarding the program’s renewal.
Congress is currently considering an extension of the funding.
