HORRY COUNTY -- The recently passed health care reform legislation includes $250 million for states to fund abstinence education programs.
Opponents are not happy, saying the programs don't work.
Supporters say it's needed since the teen pregnancy rate started to rise again in 2006, after 15 years of steady decline.
"Abstinence only" education groups in South Carolina have been receiving Title V federal assistance money since the late 90’s, but in June 2009, the assistance ended.
Many abstinence groups believe the lack of funds could be the cause of teen pregnancy rates going up slightly since then in Horry County.
In order for a program to qualify for the money, the health care bill says the organization must teach that abstinence is the only certain way to avoid out-of-wedlock pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and other health problems.
Proponents say “abstinence-only” taught programs are the reason Horry County teen pregnancy rates have dropped over the last decade.
"Many of the very young teens really are not emotionally or physically ready for that type of engagement,” said Sherry Coutain with the Great to Wait Program in Conway. “So, when you offer those skills to resist the pressure, to get involved at an early age, you really are laying a good foundation for making good choices with their sexuality later on in life."
Others believe educating teens on the risks of sexual activity is much more effective than telling them not to do it.
"It's time that we start focusing our funding where we can have the greatest return on investment, and right now that's not on failed ‘abstinence-only until marriage’ programs," said Forest Alton, CEO of South Carolina Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy.
Some education experts believe South Carolina will request to receive the federal funds this year.
Every state has the option to reject the money.
23 states have already done so.
The $250 million towards abstinence-based education will be split up.
$50 million will be awarded to participating states each year through 2014.
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