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Recently, Representative Yvette Clarke (D-11th NY) introduced a groundbreaking piece of legislation that would fundamentally transform U.S. foreign assistance policy regarding sexual and reproductive health.The Global Sexual and Reproductive Health Act of 2010 (H.R. 5121) changes the way the U.S. does business abroad by calling for comprehensive sexual and reproductive health programs and a continuum of care that is responsive to the range of sexual and reproductive needs of young people and adults.
Since youth comprise nearly half of the world's population, the reproductive and sexual health of these young people will affect the health and well being of this planet for decades.
H.R. 5121 includes a section specifically focused on the provision and promotion of sexual and reproductive health care for youth, including comprehensive sexuality education and youth involvement in program design and delivery.
We need your help to ensure that Congress understands the importance of promoting comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services around the globe.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
1. E-mail your House Representative and tell him/her to contact Congressman Pascrell's office and sign on to the letter which urges the Appropriations Committee to adequately fund domestic HIV/AIDS programs.
Follow this link to find your Representative:
http://www.congress.org/congressorg/directory/congdir.tt
Alternatively, you can call toll-free to voice your support: 1.800.828.0498. When you reach the Capitol Switchboard, ask to be connected to your House Representative. If you have trouble getting through with the toll-free number, you can use the regular switchboard number: 1.202.224.3121.
Sample Letter:
Dear [Your Representative],
I am writing to ask you to co-sponsor H.R. 5121, introduced by Rep. Yvette Clarke. This legislation, The Global Sexual and Reproductive Health Act of 2010, would bring U.S. foreign assistance policy in line with accepted standards of health and well-being for women, men, children, and youth across the globe. The legislation would support activities that constitute a comprehensive sexual and reproductive health program, including voluntary family planning, education and outreach, reduction of unsafe abortions, STI and HIV prevention, integration of services, training for health professionals, abandonment of harmful traditional practices, and provision of sexual and reproductive health services during emergencies.
The Global Sexual and Reproductive Health Act of 2010 has the potential to save hundreds of thousands of lives each year. Pregnancy and childbirth complications are the leading cause of death for women aged 15 to 19 in low- and middle-income countries. Furthermore, more than half of all people living with HIV/AIDS are women of childbearing age and 45 percent of all new HIV infections in the world occur among youth aged 15 to 24.
As the largest donor in the area of sexual and reproductive health, the United States has a unique role to play in averting unnecessary deaths and unintended pregnancies while promoting healthy sexual and reproductive health. As a signatory to several human rights instruments, the U.S. also has a legal obligation to ensure that its commitments are upheld. One such commitment is meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), agreed to by 192 UN member states, including the United States. Ensuring that young people have the sexual and reproductive health information and services that they need to make healthy decisions is crucial to meeting the MDGs of eradicating poverty, achieving universal education, promoting gender equality, reducing child mortality, improving maternal health, combating HIV/AIDS, and ensuring environmental stability.
I urge you to co-sponsor H.R. 5121 to ensure that the United States meets its international obligations and aligns its policies and programs with human rights standards.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
2. Please forward this information to everyone you know.
In the coming months, The Friends of AIDS Foundation will be working hard to bring the Global Sexual and Reproductive Health Act of 2010 to national attention — and to build support in Congress for its passage. Thank you for taking action!
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
Together We Remain Strong!
