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For Immediate Release: Friday, September 24th, 2004 Contact: Jordan Isenstadt (c) 516.991.3842 (w)
212.490.9535 (f) 212.490.2151 ***PRESS RELEASE*** State
Senator Liz Krueger Criticizes Recent Decision to Discontinue Condom
Demonstrations in NYC Public Schools Links Rise in Syphilis and Chlamydia Cases to Lack of Comprehensive
Sexuality Education New York, NY – State Senator Liz
Krueger is disturbed by the recent decision of New York City Public
School officials to cease condom demonstrations in health education classes,
saying that, “on the heels of recent information that communicable, sexually
transmittable diseases are on the rise, this is simply not the time to stop
educating teenagers about proper condom usage.” Rates of syphilis and chlamydia
are increasing among New Yorkers, according to a recently released study by
Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s office. Last
year alone 599 cases of syphilis were reported, representing a marked
increase over previous years.
According to the Sexuality Information and Education Council, at least
3 million American teens will acquire a sexually transmitted disease in the
next year. On August 26th,
Roger Platt, Director of the Office of School Health, announced that the new
2004 sexual education curriculum implemented by the Education Department
would no longer permit educators to physically demonstrate the correct use of
a condom. “Recent studies have indicated
that an alarming number of New York City public school students do not
practice safe sex,” remarked Krueger.
“The facts are clear that students are continuing to have sex at
earlier ages, and knowledge is the best protection that we as responsible
adults can pass on.” Compounding concern for the
exponential growth of both chlamydia and syphilis cases in New York, is the
established connection between these sexual transmitted diseases and
contraction of HIV. Although cases of
HIV have not concurrently risen, an increase in chlamydia and syphilis could
trigger an increase in those affected with HIV at a later date. “Given the growing rates of
infection, the recent decision by the New York City public schools to
discontinue condom demonstrations in sexuality education classes seems
completely counter-intuitive,” said Senator Krueger. “Why dismantle sexual education programs
when proper use of condoms will help prevent infection, stemming the spread
of these sexually transmitted diseases that could eventually lead to a
greater rate of HIV? Additionally,
there is evidence that these sexually transmitted diseases can reduce
fertility in affected women.” Proponents of the modified
curriculum believe that sexuality education has caused the increase in
sexually transmitted diseases and indicate that the new curriculum will serve
as a deterrent to sexual activity.
This directly contradicts studies commissioned by the U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services that conclude that sex education does not prompt
adolescents to initiate sex when they would not otherwise have done so. Additionally, the Center of Disease
Control has stated that, “education about condom use did not lead to earlier
or increased sexual activity.” Rebekah Diller, Director of
NYCLU’s Reproductive Rights Project argues that it is precisely at this
time that sexual education is most imperative. “It is essential that the Department of Education do everything
in its power to educate New York City students on how to safeguard their
health,” said Diller. “The
department should not impose rigid rules limiting how teachers instruct young
people about using condoms.” Condom demonstrations are only
a part of a comprehensive program of sexuality education. The stated goals of comprehensive
sexuality education classes often include: developing the knowledge and
skills necessary to ensure and protect young people with respects to their
sexual and reproductive health; assisting young people in gaining knowledge
about the specific involvement of, and responsibility of both males and
females in sexual decision making; and providing information about the health
benefits and side effects of all contraceptives and barrier methods as a
means to reduce the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases,
HIV/AIDS and other diseases. Despite the wealth of
information proving the efficacy of condom demonstrations, the shift away
from expansive sexual education marks a larger trend dictated by the Bush
administration as evidenced by their promoting of abstinence only education
over condom use. “If we follow the national
trend where the free flow of information is continually circumscribed and
stifled, the health of our debate and the more immediate health of students
will suffer,” says Senator Krueger.
“The only responsible action is for the Education Department to
reverse their decision to discontinue condom demonstrations.” -30- |
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