McCain Fought Funding of Teen Pregnancy Plans

The Associated Press released this report today on John McCain's opposition to proposals to spend federal money on teen-pregnancy prevention programs. The report noted that he voted to require poor teenage mothers to stay in school or lose their welfare benefits.

McCain's record on issues surrounding teen pregnancy and contraceptives during his more than two decades in the Senate indicate that he and [Sarah] Palin have similar views. Until Monday, when the subject surfaced in a deeply personal manner, teen pregnancy and sex education were not issues in the national political campaign.

Palin herself said she opposes funding sexual-education programs in Alaska. She has supported abstinence programs in schools.

"The explicit sex-ed programs will not find my support," she wrote in a 2006 questionnaire distributed among gubernatorial candidates.

McCain's position on contraceptives and teen pregnancy issues has been difficult to judge on the campaign trail, as he appears uncomfortable discussing such topics. Reporters asked the presumptive Republican presidential nominee in November 2007 whether he supported grants for sex education in the United States, whether such programs should include directions for using contraceptives or whether he supports President George W. Bush's policy of promoting abstinence.

"Ahhh, I think I support the president's policy," McCain said. When reporters pressed McCain whether the government should provide contraceptives or counseling on contraceptives, he replied: "You've stumped me." McCain said later that he was sure he opposed government spending on contraceptives.