Many states have tried to develop solid programs despite the highly restrictive content of the law. They are being steadily attacked by the same extremist groups that pushed for the legislation in the first place. The National Coalition for Abstinence Education, a spin off of the Far Right organization Focus on the Family, issued report cards to the states. They gave failing grades to states that designed their programs to reach young teens, use media programs, or provide mentoring and counseling. Georgia, Mississippi, and Oklahoma have added the federal definition of abstinence to their state laws.
Similar legislation is pending in many other states.
During the past year, we catalyzed the first media coverage of the restrictive abstinence- only program. We gave dozens of speeches, held many briefings, and spoke out in the media about why abstinence-only education will hurt America's young people. But we need to do more. We are launching a major media campaign to focus public attention on this new program. We must be able to work with the states to respond to attacks by extremists.