Catholic Fire

The Senate Finance Committee voted to restore $50 million a year in federal funding for abstinence-only education. One abstinence ed supporter said the action was a victory for “the hard work of grassroots” efforts. Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) sponsored the measure, which passed over the objections of committee chairman Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.). All ten Republicans and two Democrats, Sens. Kent Conrad of North Dakota and Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas, voted for the measure. Read the rest of  the story here.

Thousands of abortions involving underage girls are occurring in Scotland, although the children have taken classes on alleged "comprehensive sex education." The news comes after the British Medical Journal released a report on the U.K.'s sex education program, which Valerie Huber of the  National Abstinence Education Association  calls an utter failure. "The thing that really makes it interesting though, related to what's going on here in the U.S., is that [the Scots] implemented a program that the president is describing as a promising, in fact a successful program that he wants to replicate with your and my tax dollars here in the United States," she notes. Read the entire post.

The National Abstinence Education Association (NAEA) has sent a letter to President-elect Barack Obama asking that he continue to fund abstinence education. The letter is signed by more 500 people, including physicians, educators and parents, as well as members of community organizations, health departments and youth-empowerment agencies. “The overwhelming response by diverse groups underscores the fact that the health of our youth is a pressing concern to a broad spectrum of Americans," said Valerie Huber, executive director of NAEA. "It also emphasizes that the abstinence-centered message is recognized as a vital public health risk avoidance strategy that must be continued. “We ask President-elect Obama to set aside politics and take an honest look at the value and need for abstinence-education programs." ~ Via Jennifer Mesko at CitizenLink.

Reported by the Chicago Sun Times : So what is it like to kiss a girl for the first time ever, after she has become your wife? "It was surreal," said Claudaniel "CD" Fabien... after his marriage to Melody LaLuz Fabien on Saturday.... Claudaniel, 30, and Melody, 28, had pledged to be abstinent before marriage -- but went a little further by agreeing not to kiss each other on the lips before their union was official. Why so strict? They didn't even want to get close to temptation, instead waiting until the minister said the magic words: "NOW, you may kiss the bride."... Both Claudaniel and Melody Fabien are abstinence educators - Claudaniel for the nonprofit Confederation of Spanish American Families. Melody is director of the "What's Good" program for the LYDIA Home Association, a Christian service agency. Both teach abstinence programs within the Chicago Public Schools. Read The entire story here. ~ Via Jill Stanek. [Photo credit: Chica...

"Planned Parenthood's sex education programs for even the youngest kids are equivalent to sex abuse," said American Life League Vice President Jim Sedlak. The nation's largest abortion chain released a commercial Sep. 12, claiming Illinois legislation that would have taught sex education to kindergartners was actually designed to protect kids from child predators. "Planned Parenthood is the real predator," Sedlak said. "Planned Parenthood has been promoting their agenda via sex ed programs from the very beginning. These programs have plagued our society for almost fifty years, and have fueled the hedonistic culture that is killing our kids." Planned Parenthood's former medical director, Dr. Mary S. Calderone, co-founded the Sex Information and Education Council of the United States in 1964. The organization is the dominant force designing sex education programs in the United States. Since 1964, sex education has permeated public school district...

This week's Catholic Carnival is being hosted by Joe and is up at Ho Kai Paulos . What a fabulous job he has done of organizing the posts there! A few of my favorite posts there include: the Political Housewyf's post "Why I can't not be pro-life" , Marcel's at Aggie Catholics post Abstinence Education vs "Comprehensive" Sex Ed , Elena's part 6 of her series on How to Have a Domestic Church , in which she discusses the "contraceptive attitude" compared to the view of life as a gift (and challege) given us. Be sure to check out all the great posts at Ho Kai Paulos !