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SEX EDUCATION POLICY IN FLORIDA: STRATEGIES FOR CHANGE
Title
SEX EDUCATION POLICY IN FLORIDA: STRATEGIES FOR CHANGE.
Creator
Cawley, Jenna, Fine, Terri Susan, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Sex education policies and programs in Florida are largely dominated by the abstinence-only approach. This paper makes the case that abstinence-only education is a failing policy in Florida, and evaluates strategies advocates may use in order to accomplish reform. Three different strategies are evaluated: countywide school district reform, statewide rejection of federal abstinence-only funding, and statewide standardization of sex education via legislation. Contrasts are drawn between all...
Show moreSex education policies and programs in Florida are largely dominated by the abstinence-only approach. This paper makes the case that abstinence-only education is a failing policy in Florida, and evaluates strategies advocates may use in order to accomplish reform. Three different strategies are evaluated: countywide school district reform, statewide rejection of federal abstinence-only funding, and statewide standardization of sex education via legislation. Contrasts are drawn between all three strategies with regard to their potential impact on sex education policy in Florida, viability, and the challenges they present to advocates. This paper concludes that statewide standardization of sex education in Florida represents the best way to remedy the problem of insufficient sex education, but is unlikely to occur without increased bipartisan support in the Florida legislature. Statewide rejection of Title V federal abstinence-only funds remains an important policy goal for the purpose of accomplishing an end to federal abstinence grants but would likely achieve very little for Florida's students. Countywide sex education changes are thus far the only substantive victory for sex education advocates in Florida and should be instituted across the state with advocates taking special care to engage teachers, medical professionals, parents and local community leaders.
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Date Issued
2008
Identifier
CFE0002259, ucf:47829
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002259
State Adolescent Reproductive Health Policies and their Impact on Teen Pregnancy Outcomes
Title
State Adolescent Reproductive Health Policies and their Impact on Teen Pregnancy Outcomes.
Creator
Cawley, Jenna, Fine, Terri, Jewett, Aubrey, Logan, Lisa, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Using multiple regression analysis, this study analyzes the impact of state-level adolescent reproductive health statutes on rates of teenage pregnancy, birth and abortion rates. This study also analyzes the impact that adolescent reproductive health policy outputs have had on teenage pregnancy outcomes between 1992 and 2008, and the disparate impact of policies on minority teens.While some preventive adolescent reproductive health policies are found to impact teen pregnancy outcomes, most...
Show moreUsing multiple regression analysis, this study analyzes the impact of state-level adolescent reproductive health statutes on rates of teenage pregnancy, birth and abortion rates. This study also analyzes the impact that adolescent reproductive health policy outputs have had on teenage pregnancy outcomes between 1992 and 2008, and the disparate impact of policies on minority teens.While some preventive adolescent reproductive health policies are found to impact teen pregnancy outcomes, most research findings pertain to the impact of abortion policy. Restrictions on minors' access to confidential prenatal care are associated with reduced rates of teen abortion while restricting access to contraceptive services is associated with increases in teen abortion. Surprisingly, states with more family planning program spending are found to have been less effective in reducing rates of teen pregnancy and births between 1992 and 2008. Abortion restrictions are found to decrease rates of teen abortion and increase rates of teen birth. Mandated parental involvement in minors' abortions is found to increase rates of teen birth and contributed to a slower rate of decline in teen abortion between 1992 and 2008. This study indicates disparate impact of both preventive adolescent reproductive health policies and restrictive abortion policies. Restrictive abortion statutes were found to have an exceptionally strong positive effect on rates of Black teen birth, with a moderate impact on Hispanic teen birth and no impact on White teen birth.
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Date Issued
2015
Identifier
CFE0005586, ucf:50247
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005586