Debra Haffner's blog

New Minimum Standards for Sex Education: Progress or Retreat?

Author image

by Debra Haffner, Religious Institute

January 15, 2012 - 12:45pm (Print)

The newly released sexuality education standards set a minimum for school-based sexuality education. Yet even these leave out essential terms, information, and values. Because so many schools are still so far from adopting even minimal standards, I increasingly feel technology and social media will replace schools as the major source of sexuality education for children and young people.

. . . . . . . . . .

Sex Education for Politicians – Herman Cain Edition

Author image

by Debra Haffner, Religious Institute

November 29, 2011 - 10:30am (Print)

As a new allegation emerges against Republican Presidential hopeful, Herman Cain (this time of a long-term, extramarital affair), it is once again time for politicians to get a little sex education. 

. . . . . . . . . .

Reflections from Kenya as the World's Population Nears Seven Billion

Author image

by Debra Haffner, Religious Institute

October 24, 2011 - 8:38am (Print)

As the world's population gets closer to the seven billion mark, Reverend Debra Haffner reflects on her career and what she saw on a recent trip to Kenya.  

. . . . . . . . . .

Sex Education for Politicians—Weiner Edition

Author image

by Debra Haffner, Religious Institute

June 7, 2011 - 8:43am (Print)

Congressman Anthony Weiner joins the long line of men in public office who have risked their families and careers for sexual indiscretions. Maybe it's time for politicians to have a little sex ed. 

. . . . . . . . . .

At Christian School, Non-Virgins Need Not Apply

Author image

by Debra Haffner, Religious Institute

June 18, 2010 - 6:00am (Print)

I can't know the ethics of Ms. Hamilton's relationship, or her skills and talents to teach elementary school. What I do know is that premarital chastity should not be among the criteria of employment.

. . . . . . . . . .

Abortion "Neutrality" in Health Care Reform: Unfair and Unjust

Author image

by Debra Haffner, Religious Institute

August 18, 2009 - 7:00am (Print)

A public health option without abortion coverage does not sound like neutrality to me -- it sounds like selling out women for political expediency, again.
. . . . . . . . . .

Ground We've Already Covered

Author image

by Debra Haffner, Religious Institute

June 17, 2009 - 8:00am (Print)

The real moral challenge we face is how to ensure access to the means to prevent unintended pregnancies - specifically comprehensive sexuality education, universal access to contraceptive services, including emergency contraception, and education and employment opportunities for young women.

. . . . . . . . . .

Unearthing Common Ground

Author image

by Debra Haffner, Religious Institute

December 5, 2008 - 8:00am (Print)

It's not about reducing abortion. The advocates for a new common ground correctly note the correlation between poverty and abortion rates. But they fail to mention how poverty first contributes to unintended pregnancies.
. . . . . . . . . .

Bristol Palin, Mary Cheney and the Limits of Family Privacy

Author image

by Debra Haffner, Religious Institute

September 3, 2008 - 7:00am (Print)

The John McCain campaign says this is a just a private family matter. Sen. Barack Obama says candidates' families, especially children, are off limits. But when family matters relate directly to policy matters, they are fair for discussion.
. . . . . . . . . .

Don't Leave Sex Out of Saddleback

Author image

by Debra Haffner, Religious Institute

August 15, 2008 - 7:00am (Print)

Rev. Rick Warren promises to engage Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama in a dialogue dedicated to "civil discourse and the common good of all" at the Saddleback Civil Forum on Saturday. Will those who advocate for sexual and reproductive justice be included in that "all?"
. . . . . . . . . .
Syndicate content