News & Updates

SIECUS Applauds the House Appropriations Committee on the Passage of a Strong FY22 LHHS Bill and Urges Congressional Passage

For Immediate Release:
Jul 14, 2021

Washington, DC – Today, the U.S. House Appropriations Committee passed a Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Funding Bill. The Bill, which will advance to the House for consideration by the full chamber, included an increase in funding for programs that would assist family planning and removed language that harms vulnerable populations.

Christine Soyong Harley, President and CEO of SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change released the following statement: 

“SIECUS has fought for decades to ensure that all people are able to receive sexual health information that affirms their identity and empowers them to make decisions about their own health. We are grateful to congressional leaders who recognize the incredible importance that federal funding for reproductive care and family planning holds and a bill that will begin to undo years of damage to women and families across the country.

“Among many other areas, the budget expands access to family planning healthcare services by providing $400 million, an increase of $113.5 million above the FY21 enacted level to the Title X Family Planning Program, which will improve access to critical reproductive and preventative health services and advance gender and health equity. The bill also includes $130 million for the Teen Pregnancy Prevention program, an increase of $29 million above the FY21 enacted level. 

“We are pleased to note that, in line with the Administration, the Committee has taken a bold and needed step in removing the harmful Hyde Amendment language that restricted the ability for federal funds to support abortion care and has disproportionately harmed communities of color that rely on publicly funded programs for healthcare. Additionally,no funding was provided to abstinence-only education, which has been demonstrably proven to cause harm to young people.

“We look forward to working with advocates and members of Congress to further review and advocate for congressional appropriation toward important, evidence-based programs to ensure that all people are able to access the health services they require.”

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SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change has served as the national voice for sex education for more than 55 years, asserting that sexuality is a fundamental part of being human, one worthy of dignity and respect. Through policy, advocacy, education, and strategic communications efforts, SIECUS advances sex education as a vehicle for social change—working toward a world where all people can access and enjoy sexual and reproductive freedom as they define it for themselves.

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