The letter, issued by the ACLU, claims abstinence until marriage education violates federal law and calls for the cessation of funding for thousands of abstinence-until-marriage programs.  The complaint names several curriculum providers including Why Know Abstinence Education, a youth leadership development organization that provides abstinence training and materials to organizations in 40 states.

“The Santelli report is over a year old and has been refuted by medical experts, not to mention the fact that the report uses outdated information on Why Know.” said Lesley Scearce , Executive Director of Why Know.  “The political timing is transparent.  It’s no coincidence that the re-release of these claims comes prior to Congressional debate of abstinence funding.”  (Please read the review of the Santelli report by the Medical Institute http://www.medinstitute.org/includes/downloads/antellirevised.pdf)

Why Know places a high priority on research and professional evaluation in an effort to produce current and accurate materials.  The revised 2^nd edition of the Why Know Public School Curriculum was released more than a year ago; However, SIECUS, Advocates for Youth and the ACLU cite the previous version of the curriculum in their lawsuit threats.  “We welcome anyone to review our current curriculum and we appreciate feedback, “said Scearce.  “We have made this offer before, yet anti-abstinence organizations continue to cite outdated information without regard for the medical updates made in the current curriculum. 

Scearce points out that Why Know has been an independent,  non-profit organization since 2003, when the program separated from AAA Women’s Services.  Yet the Santelli report continues to cite AAA as the curriculum publisher.   Why Know’s revised curriculum contains up-to-date, medically accurate information regarding condoms and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and was stringently reviewed by a panel of medical experts.  In addition, the materials have been certified as exceeding federal guidelines by the Administration for Children and Families and are recommended for use by the Tennessee State Abstinence Education Program. Why Know’s evaluation tools were chosen in 2006 as a “best practice” for youth organizations in the State of Georgia.

Why Know goes way beyond a “just say no” message to prevent youth involvement in risk behaviors by building positive assets into teens through education, adult and peer support, and opportunities for personal growth.  “Our curriculum teaches adolescents to avoid risk behaviors such as drugs, alcohol and sexual activity,” states Scearce.  “Of those teens choosing to engage in sexual activity, 25% will a sexually transmitted disease this year, not to mention the emotional consequences of teenage sex.  Sound health policy calls for primary prevention strategies - We have a responsibility to equip teens to avoid the risk – not just reduce the risk.” 

“Parents tell us they are concerned about the health and safety their children and want the best for their future” said Scearce.  According to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, 93% of parents nationally continue to believe that providing young people with a strong abstinence message is important. In addition, 90% of teens believe that abstinence is the healthiest choice, and they should be given a clear message from society not to have sex until they are at least out of high school.

“Anti-abstinence organizations claim that abstinence programs are irresponsible and use scare tactics on teens” remarked Scearce.  “That is simply not true.  We teach adolescents the truth about sex by providing information that encourages discussion at home and in the classroom.  We help young people understand the risk and responsibility of being sexually active.” 

An extensive evaluation of Why Know’s programs by the University of Tennessee Chattanooga shows that primary prevention education coupled with intense life-skills and support produce positive outcomes.