Hundreds Advocate for Stronger Families for California Act
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 21, 2007 Hundreds Advocate for Stronger Families for California Act Activists from across California gather in Sacramento to meet with over 50 legislators in support of AB 1511 (Leno) SACRAMENTO, California – Today, nearly 200 activists are gathered in Sacramento for Reproductive Freedom Day to urge their legislators to support the Stronger Families for California Act (AB 1511 – Leno). Modeled after a highly successful, multi-cultural pilot program in San Mateo County, the Stronger Families for California Act would set up a statewide public education campaign giving parents the communication tools necessary to begin conversations with their teens about sexual health. The program aims to decrease teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases by ensuring teens have the family support to make well-informed decisions about their sexual health. “California has just experienced two divisive elections over Props. 73 and 85. It is time for us to unite behind commonsense ways to prevent teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases,” said Amy Everitt, state director of NARAL Pro-Choice California. A 2006 survey of Californians found that ninety-three percent of all adults surveyed believe that parents should talk with their children about sex and birth control. However, only half of the parents surveyed reported feeling comfortable talking with their teens about sex and birth control. A 2007 survey found that parents are consistently cited as teens’ most important influence when it comes to making decisions about sex. “The government cannot mandate family communication, but we can give families the tools they need to start these important conversations early, often and before a crisis situation,” said Everitt. “And that means fewer teen pregnancies, a lower risk of sexually transmitted diseases, and stronger families in California. This is a solution we can all agree on.” The Stronger Families for California Act is sponsored by NARAL Pro-Choice California and California Latinas for Reproductive Justice. Reproductive Freedom Day is hosted annually by the California Coalition for Reproductive Freedom (CCRF). The event’s theme for 2007 is, “Take Action, Create Change,” and will feature Camila Chavez, co-founder and executive director of the Dolores Huerta Foundation. NARAL Pro-Choice California, which includes more than 150,000 member activists, is the political arm of the pro-choice movement. The group works daily to elect pro-choice candidates, promote pro-choice policy, and mobilize pro-choice voters. Contact: Tamara Murray, 415.890.1020
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