Congresswoman Barbara Lee Introduces Bill to Fight Back Against Trump’s Attempts to Impose Abstinence-Only Sex Education

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13), issued the following statement on the re-introduction of the Real Education for Healthy Youth (REHYA) Act: 

“REHYA fights back against the Trump’s Administration’s efforts to impose abstinence-only-until-marriage (AOUM) programs by ensuring that our young people have the access they deserve to comprehensive, age-appropriate, developmentally and culturally appropriate sex education that is medically accurate.  

“Research shows access to comprehensive sexual education can effectively delay the onset of sexual intercourse, reduce the number of sexual partners, and increase contraceptive use among teens. These programs also reduce unintended pregnancy and the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. 

“Let me be clear – this legislation is about keeping our young people safe and healthy with the tools they need to make informed and responsible decisions. We must equip our young people with decision-making skills to support their lifelong health, as well as combating the rise of dating violence and bullying among youth – and evidence-based, comprehensive sex education that includes is the perfect place to start.” 

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