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OHIO Abstinence Education in Ohio In 2007, Governor Ted Strickland (D) rejected Title V dollars for the State of Ohio. Hundreds of abstinence education supporters rallied at the State Capitol in a Voice Your Choice campaign to support abstinence education, but the Governor, in spite of an outpouring of abstinence supporters, has not yet changed his mind. There are many abstinence champions who are state lawmakers, but the 2008 election could be unfavorable to abstinence if those leaders are not re-elected. The Governor’s rejection of Title V brought attention to abstinence education, and resulted in increased media coverage of the topic which was usually fair. The Ohio Federation of Abstinence Education (OFAE) is a strong network of abstinence supporters across the state. Attacks: Planned Parenthood led the charge to have Title V state funds denied, and recently held a Legislative Education day at OH’s State Capitol. Ohio Sexuality Education Law and Policy Ohio does not require schools to teach sexuality education. However, the board of education of each school district must establish a health curriculum for “all schools under their control” that includes information regarding sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and HIV/AIDS. This information must emphasize that, “abstinence from sexual activity is the only protection that is one hundred percent effective against unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted disease, and the sexual transmission of a virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.” Further, all materials and instruction regarding STDs must:
These points closely mirror the federal definition of “abstinence education.” Upon written request of a parent or guardian, a student can be excused from taking any or all of this instruction. This is referred to as an “opt-out” policy. Parents for Truth Member Organizations in Ohio Mosack Communication Consulting ATM Education
Elizabeth's New Life Center
Operatin Keepsake, Inc Pregnancy Care of Cincinnati Kathy Haugen
Pure Choice Youth for Christ Other Organizations Providing Abstinence Education in Ohio
Sold Out Abstinence Program First String Abstinence Education - Heartbeats of Licking County CPC Project Respect of NW Ohio Women's Resource Center of Hancock County, Ohio Frontline Youth Communications The RIDGE Project RSVP of Licking County - aka Project REACH Code Blue Youth Talks Central Ohio AEN St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center - Positive Choices Responsible Social Values Program - (RSVP of Greater Toledo) Family and Youth Initiatives Abstinence The Better Choice Abstinence Resource Centre |