14 Days

That is how many days are left in the 2007 Legislative Session - and how many days we have left to pass the Healthy Teens Act.

On March 27th the NYS Assembly passed the Healthy Teens Act by a huge bi-partisan margin of 130-11, making a strong commitment to ensuring that our youth have the resources they need to make informed decisions regarding their lives.

Now it is time for the Senate to make the same commitment.

The Healthy Teens Act (S.1342) would establish a grant program that would enable schools and community based organizations to apply for funding to teach age-appropriate, medically accurate sex education. Something we know our youth not only need but deserve.

Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno needs to hear from you! He needs to know that you are among the 88% of New Yorkers who agree that students should have information about contraception and the prevention of sexually transmitted infections. Send the e-mail below to urge Senator Bruno to stand with us and support the Healthy Teens Act.

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

The problem is real. Every year, 40,000 teens become pregnant in New York State. Thousands of others contract sexually transmitted infections, placing their health and well-being at great risk.

The solution is clear. Comprehensive sex education programs have been proven effective in delaying onset of sexual intercourse, reducing the frequency of intercourse, and increasing condom and contraception use. Giving our youth the tools they need to make healthy decisions creates stronger families, communities and a healthier New York.

The Healthy Teens Act (S.1342) would establish a competitive grant program that would enable schools and community based organizations to apply for funding to teach age-appropriate, medically accurate, sex education programs. Currently New York is spending over $3 million on abstinence-only education programs, which have been proven ineffective and leave teens in the dark.

Our youth deserve better. They deserve honest and accurate information which will help them to make healthy decisions regarding their lives.

I urge you to stand up for our youth and support the Healthy Teens Act.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
May 30, 2007