News Release
Statewide pro-family group commends Doyle’s action on bill that adds abstinence
component to existing Human Growth and Development law
"Governor Doyle has given us a good day in Wisconsin," said Julaine Appling, Chief Executive Officer of The Family Research Institute of Wisconsin. "By signing this bill into law, the governor has given us the first reference to abstinence anywhere in our Human Growth and Development statutes. "
Authored by Senator Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin), Senate Bill 286 passed earlier this session with bi-partisan support in both the Senate and the Assembly.
"We’re grateful for Senator Lazich’s tenacity with this legislation and for the governor’s signature today. This addition to the Human Growth and Development law by no means requires an abstinence-only approach in school districts that elect to have such programs. However, it does take a good step forward in making sure our young people will be given at least very basic information about abstinence and how it is the best way for them to protect their health and their hearts, as well as their future," Appling continued.
Research published in peer-reviewed journals such as the Journal of Adolescent Health and Adolescent and Family Health continues to show that abstinence education is resulting in declining teen pregnancies and is increasing the likelihood of teens furthering their schooling and having solid marriages later.
"The governor has shown that he understands the value of abstinence education for our youth. We think he’s made an investment in Wisconsin’s future today," concluded Appling.
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The Family Research Institute (FRI) is a non_profit, 501 (c)(3) organization committed to serving Wisconsin’s citizens, churches and policymakers by informing, inspiring and involving each group in strengthening and preserving marriage, family, life and liberty in Wisconsin. For more information, visit www.fri_wi.org or call 1_888_378_7395