The Florida Department of Health gave almost $2 million in grants to 13 organizations with abstinence-only education programs that provide little health-related information, The American Independent reports. A Florida statute requires school board districts to teach abstinence from sexual activity outside of marriage as the “expected standard” for all public school youth. Advocates point out that the programs are not required to teach explicit HIV prevention methods, even if students ask about safer-sex practices. In 2007, people younger than 25 accounted for 15 percent of new HIV cases in Florida.

To read the American Independent article, click here.