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The article focuses on abstinence education in the state of Massachusetts. Abstinence education support groups had encouraged Governor Deval Patrick to accept funds for abstinence education in middle schools, but he did not apply for and accept the funds. The group the National Abstinence Education Association is also discussed as having launched a web site which encourages Patrick to reconsider his decision.

The article reports that Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick may discontinue a federally-funded abstinence-only sex education program. A study released to Patrick has found that students in these programs are not less likely to have sexthan students in other programs. Such programs concentrate on the flaws of prophylactics and birth control pills while not also examining their benefits. The federal grant money cannot be used to fund programs that teach students about contraception.

The article reports on a plan by Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney to introduce an abstinence education program in state schools in January 2006. The program will be aimed at teenagers in African American and Hispanic American communities who tend to have higher rates of sexual activities. The funding will come from a federal grant program providing money to states for initiatives that teach abstinence.