Abstinence Fail: Drinking Bleach Kills HIV

Horrified by bizarre myths about HIV and pregnancy that are apparently believed by some Florida teenagers, lawmakers are moving to ditch their "abstinence only" program and overhaul sex education in the state's public schools.

Florida teens who believe drinking a cap of bleach will prevent HIV and a shot of Mountain Dew will stop pregnancy have prompted lawmakers to push for an overhaul of sex education in the state. Another myth is that Florida teens also believe that smoking marijuana will prevent a person from getting pregnant. State lawmakers said the myths are spreading because of Florida's abstinence-only sex education. They are proposing a bill that would require a more comprehensive approach. It would still require teaching abstinence but students would also learn about condoms and other methods of birth control and disease prevention. The bill just passed its first vote in a committee.

(Tipped by JMG reader Damian)