The Stronger Families for California Act, AB 1511 (Leno), was a commonsense solution that sought to empower families by encouraging open and honest conversations about sex and sexual health. The legislation was introduced in order to promote well-informed decision making and positive health outcomes, while reducing pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in teens.

Family communication is proven to reduce the incidence of teen pregnancy and STIs and ninety-three percent (93%) of Californians believe that parents should talk with their teens about sex and sexual health. Improved family communication is critical for California’s families—particularly for those facing health disparities and lack of health care access.

Unfortunately, in late August, the Stronger Families for California Act was held in the Senate Appropriations Committee due to this year's budget constraints. Thanks to the broad support of Californians, we built a coalition of 35 organizations representing parents, children, teachers, communities of color, labor, doctors and health care workers. Emails, letters and postcards flooded Sacramento and activists met face-to-face with their representatives urging them to support this important bill.

We must all continue the important work of providing families the tools to reduce sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies. NARAL Pro-Choice California thanks the supporters of the Stronger Families for California Act and hopes we can count on your support in the future.