Abstinence is best

Recent letters are a reflection of the confusion caused by the Bangor Daily News report on the state’s refusal to accept federal money for abstinence education “Health chief blasted in sex-ed fund flap” (BDN, Sept. 21). Several writers have picked up on the theme of the story and the quotes from Dr. Dora Mills that accepting the money would prohibit other sex-education programs. Apart from the fact that abstinence before marriage is the best way to teach young people, the facts should be reported.

The state of Maine could in fact accept the federal Title V dollars and use them to provide the education and encouragement to young people through other private agencies. That would allow the Bureau of Health to carry on without federal restrictions on other programs.

Your readers should not blame President Bush, by the way. The criteria was established under President Clinton. The current administration simply wants to hold people accountable for the contracts they sign.

Abstinence education is proven to be effective, and Maine had the opportunity to provide it without spending any money.

What a shame.

Bob Emrich

Plymouth