The lack of sexually transmitted disease education continues to put young people at risk for serious health issues. People aged 18-24 may account for half of all newly diagnoses. Young people change partners more often and are less likely to practice safe sex. Everyone should use a condom with a new partner, regardless of age, until both partners have been screened. We need to talk more openly with our young people about safe sex. Parents won’t you please remind your daughters and sons how much you care about them and suggest they get regular checkups.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is poised to put new barriers to accessing common forms of contraception, ie; birth control pills, emergency contraception and IUDs by labeling them ‘abortion’.

These regulations are to be released next week and healthcare providers will be allowed to refuse contraception to women. Who does this hurt the most? Federally-funded family planning services, low-income women, those who are insured, basically everyone who is not paying cash. There are also barriers to counseling, education, and preventive health services. This law will not allow health providers to offer emergency contraception in hospitals for sexual assault and rape victims. Please contact your Senator and tell them this assault on women’s health must stop.