McCain opposes funds for teen sex education

JOHN McCAIN, whose running mate disclosed that her unmarried 17-year-old daughter is pregnant, has opposed proposals to spend federal money on teen-pregnancy prevention programmes and voted to require poor teen mothers to stay in school or lose their benefits.

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin’s announcement on Monday about her daughter, Bristol, was aimed at rebutting internet rumours that Palin’s youngest son, born in April, was actually her daughter’s. Palin said her daughter intends to raise her child and marry the baby’s father, who was identified only by his first name, Levi.

The baby is due in late December.

McCain’s record on issues surrounding teen pregnancy and contraceptives during his two decades in the Senate indicates that he and Palin have similar views.

Palin said she opposes funding sexual-education programmes in Alaska.

“The explicit sex-ed programs will not find my support,” she wrote in a 2006 questionnaire.

McCain’s position on contraceptives and teen pregnancy issues has been difficult to judge, as he appears uncomfortable discussing such topics. Reporters asked the presumptive presidential nominee in whether he supported grants for sex education in the US, whether such programs should include directions for using contraceptives and whether he supports President Bush’s policy of promoting abstinence.

“Ah, I think I support the president’s policy,” he said.

When pressed on whether the government should provide contraceptives, he replied, “You’ve stumped me.” McCain said later he was sure that he opposed government spending on contraceptives.