In an effort to discredit abstinence-until-marriage education, the contraceptive lobby released a "new report" earlier this month that claims abstinence education is futile.

Written by Scott H. Franks of Ohio's Case Western Reserve University, this error-ridden account is simply a repackaged Waxman report intending to deny federal funding for abstinence-only education. In fact, the report even uses many of Waxman's same footnotes. Yet comprehensive sex-education is already federally funded $12 to every $1 spent on abstinence-only education.

"Professor Franks really ought to proofread his students' work before placing his name on the paper," said Leslee Unruh, president of the Abstinence Clearinghouse. "I'd be embarrassed to present such false, misleading, and typo-ridden work as my own."

One of the report's most blatant lies is that a widely used abstinence-only program in Ohio, the RIDGE Project, used a Christian-based virginity-pledge program in the public schools. However, a review of RIDGE Project's financial records shows that it uses a "secular version" in the public schools, negating Franks' argument that Ohio is mixing religion with education.

The University hosted a topical seminar to release Scott Franks' paper on abstinence education in Ohio. Several abstinence educators attended.

One questioned, "Did you or your researchers ever attend an abstinence education program?"

A simple 'no' was the only answer.

Further, one of the "contributors," Earl Pike of AIDS Taskforce of Cleveland, is a paid lobbyist against abstinence education in Ohio.

"The references in this report lead back to some of the most outspoken opponents to responsible sexual activity," said Unruh. "SIECUS, Advocates for Youth, Rep. Henry Waxman? these are not scholarly sources, much less peer-reviewed, or even mainstream."

"Case Western's attempt to put a new 'spin' on the earlier false report from Congressman Waxman is just another money-grab by the anti-abstinence movement. I find it hard to understand why they would be so greedy, considering that authentic abstinence education is greatly out-funded by contraceptive sex programs," said Lanier Swann, director of government relations for Concerned Women for America (CWA). "Now more than ever parents need to hear the truth on the effectiveness of abstinence. We have to ensure that truth is told about the blatant biases in this new report."

At the same time, CWA is working to protect the funding of true abstinence programs in the appropriations bill. A CWA e-alert sent yesterday urged calls to the Capitol on its behalf, and House staffers are hearing from CWA members.