Policy Issues

• Abstinence Education

  NPC in coordination with our Associate Dr. Patsy Meyers presents new research on the efficacy of abstinence education from a project in South Carolina. The implications of this research are encouraging and support our medical network's belief that delaying sexual involvement is essential to the well-being of America's youth and families.
  View Abstinence Education Research

• Early Childhood Education

  Currently there is an effort underway nationwide to convince state legislators of the vital importance of funding early childhood education programs.

  The rationale used to promote these programs is usually based on early brain development research suggesting children cannot achieve their full potential unless they are exposed to accelerated learning experiences before the age of three. This is often coupled with the suggestion that, now more than ever, mothers need and/or want to work and therefore, require quality, affordable care for their children.

• High Cost of Adolescent Sex

  Prior to 1970 the rates of both teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) were decreasing. However, with the advent of school-based contraceptive education programs, the rates of teen pregnancy and STDs increased dramatically. Between 1970 and 1990 the birth rate among females ages 15-19 nearly doubled and STD rates soared. The facts are clear: When adolescents have sex, the physical, emotional and economic costs are high.

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

  Human Papillomavirus infection is common, highly contagious, and spread through skin-to-skin contact as well as through sexual contact. An estimated 20 million people, including about one-third of all sexually active teenagers, have HPV.

• Medical Records Profiling

  As medical professionals we strongly oppose the use of patients' private medical records for any purpose other than diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.

  Violating the sanctity of the patient/physician relationship attacks the very foundation of the medical profession. As physicians we have sworn an oath to protect the health of our patients and, when necessary, to act as confidants. Individuals who do not trust their physicians are less likely to seek medical attention, creating the potential for serious setbacks in public health.

• Home Visitation and Mental Health Screening

  In response to recent presidential commissions and recently introduced federal legislation promoting the expansion of infant and toddler home visiting programs, the National Physicians Center is calling for review of these programs with regard to scientific validity and effectiveness, potential side effects, cost, and issues of family autonomy and scope of government.