Thank you for
supporting teen health
More than 3,400 pro-Planned Parenthood signatures
presented at board meeting
On March 10, the Orange County Board of Supervisors spoke. Their message: no more county funds for Planned Parenthood's health education programs. No more public support for peer educators, college outreach, and toll-free and online hotlines that prevent sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies throughout the county.
On April 7, their outraged constituents ... and the nation ... spoke back. Their message: protect teen heath by reversing the March 10 vote to suspend Planned Parenthood's $300,000 health education contract.
More than 40 concerned citizens, parents, and teen health advocates — representing 12 organizations and more than 3,400 supporters like you — attended the Board of Supervisors meeting to present petitions and make comments to the supervisors regarding teen health and the importance of quality, preventative education programs. Some speakers also shared their personal, moral, and legal opinions about the board's decision.
Among the organizations represented were: the ACLU, Clergy for Choice, OC: Americans United for Separation of Church and State, Anti-Defamation League, Orange County League of Women Voters, Newport Beach Women's Democratic Club, OC National Organization of Women, Women For: OC, Orange Coast College, and the Orange County Equality Coalition.
Comprehensive health education programs are vital to building healthy communities and protecting teen health as Orange County faces one of the highest teen pregnancy rates in the state and increasing cases of STIs (at least 1 in 4 teens have an STI, according to the Centers for Disease Control). According to the Public Policy Institute of California, 82% of Californian parents with children in public schools favor comprehensive sex education.
"Education is a crucial part of the health care safety net that Orange County's young people need to grow into healthy adults who make responsible, informed decisions," says Jon Dunn, president and CEO. "Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties has provided high-quality health education programs for more than 40 years. We know what today's teens need, and we know what works. This community relies on the comprehensive, abstinence-first health education programs provided by Planned Parenthood."
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Three more ways you can help today
1. Make a donation. Ensure that Orange County teens and families continue to receive the comprehensive sex education programs and services they need. Help build a healthier Orange County by making a donation today.
2.
Contact your supervisor and tell them how disappointed you are in their decision. Let them know how this decision affects you, as well as how it will negatively affect the teens and families in Orange County. Click here for your supervisor's e-mail address and phone number.
3. Read and respond to articles and blogs about the supervisors' decision. Click here for a list of recent media coverage.
