Governor Crist: Reject Title V!

Florida currently receives the 2nd highest amount of federal abstinence-only funding in the country – approximately $13 million.  Abstinence-only programs have been proven ineffective in delaying sexual activity and put young people at risk. 

A recent report by the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States and the Healthy Teens Campaign revealed that Florida’s abstinence-only programs provide inaccurate and outdated information, reinforce gender stereotypes, and rely on fear and shame-based tactics to discourage sexual activity. 

Help protect Florida teens by telling Governor Crist to reject Title V funding for abstinence-only programs today!  It's time that Florida join the 23 other states that no longer accept federal abstinence-only funding.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Protect Florida's Teens

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I urge you to reject Title V abstinence-only funding.

Across the country, nearly half of all governors no longer accept federal abstinence-only funding in their states. Mounting evidence proves that these programs are incredibly ineffective and fail our youth. Since 2002, $64 million in federal dollars have been funneled into Florida, only Texas receives more money. It's time to put that money toward real solutions that will help prevent unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections among teenagers.

We have a preventable public health problem in this state - Florida has the third highest rate in the nation of new AIDS diagnoses, the fifth highest rate of new HIV infections and the 6th highest teen pregnancy rate in the country. By continuing to accept federal funding for these programs, and failing to support and expand comprehensive sex education, Florida is putting the health and well being of its young people at risk.

Our youth need comprehensive sex education that is age-appropriate, including the facts that help protect them from unintended pregnancy and diseases that threaten their health.

Signed by:

Campaign Launched:
April 07, 2009


Background Information

With Florida's current budget crisis, it is time to answer tough questions about why we continue to waste millions of dollars a year on a policy that has failed to keep teens healthy and safe. These programs have failed to be effective in preventing unintended pregnancy and the spread of disease which wastes money now and costs the taxpayers later.

Florida currently receives the 2nd highest amount of federal abstinence-only funding in the country – approximately $13 million.  Abstinence-only programs have been proven ineffective in delaying sexual activity and put young people at risk.