Weaknesses Research has shown that AOE is not effective (Rubenstein, 2017). Federally funded AOE have grown significantly since 1996 but the evaluation of these programs does not show efficacy in delaying initiation of sexual intercourse (Santelli, Ott, Rogers, & Summers, 2006). AOE programs are morally problematic because they can withhold information, providing misinformation, or being coercive (Santelli, Ott, Rogers, & Summers, 2006). AOE does not meet the needs of many students. 47.8% of high school students reported having sexual intercourse (Mulye et al., 2009). Those students are not receiving the resources they need to continue to make safe decisions if they are only being taught to remain abstinent. Lesbian, gay, transgender, questions …show more content…
Some programs taught their students that the claim of condoms preventing the spread of STDs was not supported by data (Waxman, 2004). Some programs also taught that condoms fail to prevent HIV 31% of the time during heterosexual sex (Waxman, 2004). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) explains that this claim is false and condoms are highly effective in preventing HIV and spreading sexually transmitted diseases (FDA, “Male Condoms”, 2016). One AOE stated that conception is when life begins, which clearly blurs the line between religion, opinion, and science (Waxman, 2004). Another curriculum called a 43-day old fetus a “thinking person” (Waxman, 2004). One curriculum claimed that HIV can be spread through sweat and tears (Waxman, 2004). Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) clearly states that HIV cannot be spread through sweat, tears, feces, or urine (DVA, “How HIV is spread”, 2016). Some curriculums enforced stereotypes that women must be financially supported and men need admiration (Waxman,2004). In November 2006, Government Accountability Office found the Administration for Children and Families released a report basically stating that that the federal agency did not review materials for scientific accuracy or require grantees to review their own materials for scientific correctness (Education,