FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 10, 2005
PRO-CHOICE GROUP APPLAUDS SECRETARY GRISHAM FOR BOLD MOVE TO LIMIT UNPROVEN ABSTINENCE-ONLY PROGRAMS
Albuquerque, NM – NARAL Pro-Choice New Mexico applauded the State Department of Health’s Secretary, Michelle Grisham, for her bold move to limit unproven abstinence-only programs to elementary schools. Under the new plan, abstinence education would be a part of a comprehensive package offered in middle and high schools.
“This is an important step toward providing New Mexico’s young people with the age-appropriate, factually accurate sex education they need to make decisions regarding their sexual health,” stated Giovanna Rossi, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice New Mexico.
NARAL Pro-Choice New Mexico has been working to improve access to comprehensive sex education in schools, as part of its overall mission. In December 2004, Pro-Choice New Mexico staff asked Governor Richardson to reject the federal funds used for abstinence-only programs. While the request was ultimately rejected, news of the recent decision to limit the programs to elementary schools was welcomed.
