SAMPLE LETTER TO A POLICYMAKER
SAMPLE LETTER TO A POLICYMAKER | |
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January 5, 2005 The Honorable Ms. Tompkins Dear Representative Tompkins: As a constituent, I urge you to ensure that comprehensive sexuality education is available in all schools in your district and across the state. Numerous sexuality education programs that include messages about both abstinence and contraception have been found effective in helping young people delay the onset of sexual intercourse, reduce their number of sexual partners, and increase contraception and condom use when they do become sexually active. In contrast, there is no evidence that abstinence-only-until-marriage programs work. In fact, new research has concluded that some abstinence-only-until-marriage programs may actually be causing harm to young people by undermining the use of contraceptive and diseaseprevention methods once participants become sexually active. The great majority of Americans share my support for comprehensive sexuality education. A survey by the Othmer Institute found that 90% of the engaged, voting public believe all students should receive sexuality education that is age-appropriate, medically accurate, and that begins early and continues through high school. Further, this survey found that only 10% of engaged voters support abstinence-only-until-marriage programs being taught in public schools. Please ensure that no new money is spent on abstinence-only-until-marriage programs and instead much-needed funds are put towards more effective sexuality education. I look forward to hearing from you on this important matter. Sincerely, Ann Jones Ann Jones |
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