States' implementation of the Section 510 abstinence education program, FY 1999.

Area of Science:

• Public Health Policy
• Adolescent Health
• Social Science Research

Background:

• The 1996 welfare reform introduced a new abstinence education initiative (Section 510) with substantial federal funding.
• This program shifted focus to abstinence from sexual activity outside marriage, differing from prior adolescent premarital abstinence efforts.
• Program implementation and messaging were identified as critical factors influencing its impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To survey the implementation of the Section 510 abstinence education program across all U.S. states and territories in Fiscal Year 1999.
• To examine expenditures, activities, established policies, and definitions related to abstinence education.
• To understand how the program emphasized abstinence from sexual activity outside marriage.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to program coordinators in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
• The questionnaire collected data on program expenditures, implemented activities, and policies regarding specific situations.
• Inquiries were made about the definition of 'sexual activity' and emphasized components of the federal 'abstinence education' definition.

Main Results:

• Forty-five jurisdictions reported spending $69 million in FY 1999, with significant portions allocated to public, private, and faith-based entities.
• In-school activities, including instruction and presentations, were common across most jurisdictions.
• A majority of jurisdictions prohibited information on contraception, while few restricted information on sexually transmitted diseases; policies on sexual abuse, orientation, or pregnancy were rarely reported.

Conclusions:

• Faith-based entities played a notable role, receiving over 10% of Section 510 funds, and were involved in common in-school activities.
• Most jurisdictions restricted information about contraception, even when requested, and irrespective of funding source.
• The lack of standardized definitions for 'abstinence' and 'sexual activity' at the program level created ambiguity regarding program objectives.