Oregon: ACLU Seeks More Information on Oregon-Based Abstinence Program

The American Civil Liberties Union has requested documents relating to a state investigation of the "Stop and Think" abstinence program. Administered by the Eugene-based Lane County Pregnancy Center, "Stop and Think" is used in a handful of schools nationwide.

In May, ACLU asked state and federal regulators to investigate "Stop and Think" for possible misuse of abstinence education funds for religious purposes. ACLU cited as evidence a South Dakota "Stop and Think" provider whose contract stipulated that instructors have "an authentic relationship with Jesus Christ" and attend a "Bible-believing church or fellowship."

State and federal investigations of "Stop and Think" found no evidence that public funds were used to promote religion. But this week, ACLU asked the Oregon Department of Health and Human Services to release its investigation documents.

In May, Oregon and the pregnancy center mutually ended the abstinence contract after the state said the contract was not active. The federal government now requires all center employees to sign a statement that prohibits them from proselytizing through federally funded programs.

"There have been studies done that these types of abstinence-only programs are not effective, so it's helpful for us and the public to know if they are monitoring the effectiveness," said Jann Carson, associate director of ACLU-Oregon.

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