Montana currenly receives about $173,000 from the federal government for abstinence-only until marriage programs.  Of Montana's 56 counties and 7 tribal nations, only 14 accepted this money.  The main reasons for rejecting the funds were: a) could not afford the monetary match or, b) could not teach abstinence-only programs for philosophical and/or public health reasons.

This bill would allow counties to choose between state money for comprehensive sexuality education and federal based abstinence-only until marriage money.  It does not cancel the federal abstinence money; rather, it creates a choice for the 42 counties and 7 tribal nations who rejected the abstinence only money.

Montana's youth deserve accurate information to lead healthy lives.  in 2005, 43% of Montana's high school females and 44% of males reported ever having had sexual intercourse.  Among those, 57% females and 67% males in Montana report having used condoms the last time they had sexual intercourse.  Approximately 1/4 of all new cases of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) occur among teenagers.  We must educate youth about how to protect themselves.

By age 19, over 75% of females and 85% of males have had intercourse.  The Guttmacher Institute recently reported that by the time Americans marry, 95% of already had sexual intercourse.  This shows that even if teenagers aren't having sex now, they need accurate information to protect themselves in the future.

Americans support comprehensive sex education programs.  In a November 2006 nationwide survey, 82% of the self identified conservative, moderate, and liberal Americans support comprehensive sex education.