The national debate over government-funded abstinence-only programs in schools is gaining attention right here in the mountains.

A lot goes into the Pike County Health Department's sex education in area schools, like reproductive health, sexually transmitted diseases, and abstinence. But Dr. Rafael Rengal, who helps develop the curriculum, says there's one huge hole, not teaching students about contraceptives.

"The only time we ever mention it is if it's brought up, and a lot of times we would say, you need to talk to your parents about that. As far as part of our curriculum, it's not," said Paul Hopkins, Director of the Pike County Health Department.

Officials say funding for this particular program comes on the condition that they teach abstinence only to prevent pregnancy and STD's.

"You have to teach everything. You have to give them the tools, you have to tell them the truth, from a good source, you know not learning from magazines, or in TV shows where they may get the wrong impression," Dr. Rengal said.

An eight year study released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found kids in abstinence-only programs were no more likely to delay sex than others their age.

Christie Thacker, a parent who directs the Appalachian Pregnancy Care Center's abstinence programs, says contraceptive how-to's do not belong in schools.

"You wouldn't give your child the keys to a car and a case of beer and say, 'Well, I hope that you wouldn't drive'. Sex education is allowing them to learn at an early age something that was meant to be for marriage," Thacker said.