Over the past 25 years more than $1.5 billion has been spent on federally funded abstinence-only-until-marriage-programs (AOUM) in the US. While there is broad consensus that delaying sexual debut and encouraging abstinence during adolescence are worthwhile public health goals, the content and restrictions of AOUM programs are controversial.

Objectives of Symposium:

Speakers will review recent studies on the effectiveness of AOUM programs and their impact on STD control. Alternative sociological and public health perspectives for addressing adolescent sexuality will be presented.

Implications for Programs, Policy, and/or Research:

The Congress and state governments are re-examining sex education in the schools. Public health professionals can contribute their perspectives to these discussions.