Message from the President.

As I write to you, a well-organized network of far right groups is making every effort to perpetuate sexual and reproductive health myths using shame and fear to influence the belief systems of our youth.

SIECUS is virtually always faced with dismantling the myths generated by the far right in the media. We discredit inaccurate research perpetuated by right wing groups, and guide the media toward reputable sources and scientific research to ensure accurate coverage of sexuality and reproductive health issues.

For example, in February 2003, the Coalition for Adolescent Sexual Health (CASH), a group which includes the Christian Coalition, Concerned Women for America, the Family Research Council, Focus on the Family, and others released a poll conducted by Zogby International. It claimed that parents do not support comprehensive sexuality education or "condom-based education" (as they refer to it), but abstinence-character-based education.

The report claimed that polls conducted by SIECUS and other likeminded organizations deceive the public with results showing that parents support comprehensive sexuality education. SIECUS obtained a copy of the poll prior to its release and distributed copies to staff with curriculum expertise to analyze the "results." We drafted talking points which illuminated how the poll skewed results and had faulty methodology. We immediately arranged an interview for SIECUS with a New York Times reporter to help shape their story and discredit the information released by CASH. I also appeared on NPR's Tavis Smiley Show to debate the report.

These far right groups have rooted themselves firmly in the U.S. and have influenced policymakers aligned with their views on sexuality and reproductive health issues. In turn, the domestic agenda of restrictive policies promoting abstinence-only-until-marriage, anti-choice, and anti-family planning messages is being exported, affecting countless women and young people overseas.

As the current domestic agenda has already had an impact on international family planning funding, as well as international conventions and agreements, the U.S. is now trying to manipulate other funding streams. The most recent example of ideologicallymotivated policymakers making their imprint on international health programs is the Global AIDS Bill. On the surface, the Global AIDS Bill seems like a commendable investment by the U.S. However, when viewed more closely, it is clear that the bill is embedded with harmful provisions that threaten the health and well being of people in the poorest countries. We witnessed attempts by conservative policymakers to insert "global gag rule" language. Through the work of dedicated policymakers and advocates, this attempt was blocked. However, domestic abstinence-only-until-marriage language did make its way into the bill, restricting one-third of the funds for HIV prevention efforts exclusively for abstinence-only-until-marriage programs. In addition, this bill has much broader implications. It provided the "foot in the door" for domestic policies to negatively influence programs and policies overseas. It also allows faithbased groups to receive funding, while permitting them to exclude proven prevention programs if they conflict with their faith beliefs. Sadly, ideology won over research and proven outcomes. Due to growing concerns and requests from international colleagues, SIECUS launched a monthly "International Right Wing Watch." This resource provides hundreds of colleagues with information about the activities of right wing groups in the U.S. and their attempts to export their agenda overseas, particularly relating to sexual and reproductive rights, services, and programs. Colleagues have commented that this is an invaluable addition to their work. This resource is particularly noteworthy because no other organization is tracking and sharing this critical information with colleagues overseas. Given our current economic and political challenges, SIECUS is trying to stay ahead of the curve. We are forging partnerships, being even more thoughtful about the actions we take to maximize our limited resources. We hope to continue to count on you in the future as we push forward, making critical inroads that protect and expand sexual and reproductive health services, education programs, and rights.

Notes from the Field

The far right movement in the United States and abroad is gaining greater momentum. Just recently, right wing groups perpetuated misinformation about the success of Uganda in reducing its HIV infection rate through the prevention strategy known as "ABC-Abstain, Be Faithful, Use Condoms." This strategy is in fact a comprehensive public health education effort that includes information on safer sex and wide condom distribution. However, groups such as Focus on the Family and others manipulated the public perception of this program, touting it a success solely due to abstinenceonly- until-marriage messages.

Notes from the Research

The Children's Aid Society's (CAS) Carrera Program in New York City is a long-term, intensive initiative that includes family life and sexuality education, educational opportunities, work-related activities, self expression through the arts, sports activities, and comprehensive health care, including mental health and reproductive health services and contraception.

An extensive, three-year evaluation of the Carrera Program recently conducted by Philliber Research Associates examined this and five other local youth development programs to determine which most successfully reduced adolescent pregnancy rates. One of the most encouraging findings is that only 10 percent of female Carrera Program participants became pregnant/gave birth during the study, compared to 22 percent of female control participants.

Researchers contend that the experience of female Carrera Program participants documents the successful reduction in adolescent pregnancy. These results make the Carrerra Program one of only four youth development after-school programs for which evaluations based on random assignment have demonstrated noticable impact.

For more information, visit: www.stopteenpregnancy.com

Tamara Kreinin, President & CEO Jason I. Osher, Director of Development Anita Brakman, Development Assistant