Brooke Donald, AP, The Boston Globe

“Gov. Mitt Romney promoted on Thursday an abstinence education program for Massachusetts middle schools that he says will help children make healthy and safe choices about when to have sex.”

“The Republican governor, who is considering a run for the White House in 2008, said abstinence is an important part of sexual education that is often left out of class discussion. He argued that teaching children to postpone having sex until they're married helps them preserve self-esteem and build character.”

“I've never had anyone complain to me that their kids are not learning enough about sex in school. However, a number of people have asked me why it is that we do not speak more about abstinence as a safe and preventative health practice," he said at a news conference at Boston Latin School, where an abstinence program is in place.”

“Massachusetts has been receiving federal funding for abstinence education since 1998, but this is the first year when it will be used for classroom instruction. It's previously been used for media campaigns and other advertising.”