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TALLAHASSEE, FL, August 12, 2011 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Florida has allocated money authorized by Obamacare for abstinence education provided by 13 different groups. Republican Florida Governor Rick Scott and the Legislature accepted the $2.5 million grant per year from fiscal year 2010 through 2014, and Florida’s Department of Health has used the money by giving 13 grants of $150,000 each.

Florida’s Abstinence Education Program encourages children between ages 9 and 18 to abstain from sex before marriage. In addition, it educates young people how to reject sexual advances and how alcohol and drug use increase vulnerability.

Planned Parenthood of North Florida CEO Staci Fox criticized Florida’s decision to accept the funds, according to First Coast News. “I think that it’s sad that our Governor is going to accept money for a program that is proven not to work,” said Fox.

Students for Life Executive Director Kristan Hawkins responded to Fox’s criticism.  “I find it ironic that Staci Fox is concerned about educating our children.  Especially so when the International Planned Parenthood just released Exclaim! Young People’s Guide to ‘Sexual Rights: an IPPF Declaration’, which is basically a handbook on how to teach kids to have sex and how to teach parents to be okay with it,” said Hawkins. “Clearly, she’s missing the mark on this one.”

Noting that Florida is the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit against Obamacare, she continued, “Florida is on the right track by refusing to support the Affordable Care Act.”

“It’s clear that President Obama’s plan to reform health care is unconstitutional, and I’m glad Florida has taken a stand on what we know is a huge threat to women’s health, the pre-born, and people across the country who would be subjected to these changes,” Hawkins said.

This story has been CORRECTED to attribute Kristan Hawkins’ statement accurately.