Thanks Representative Shays

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Operated by: Planned Parenthood Association of Utah

Thanks Representative Shays

On September 6th Representative Christopher Shays (R-CT) called a congressional hearing to investigate the impact of HIV prevention efforts through the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), particularly its destrictive and self-defeating requirement that at least one-third of all HIV prevention funds be used to support abstinence-until-marriage programs.

Please take a moment to recognize Rep. Shays' work. It is not often that policy makers take a stand like Rep. Shays.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I am writing to recognize your efforts to help stop the spread of HIV/AIDS in Africa. I recently learned of a congressional hearing that you called to investigate the impact of prevention efforts through the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), in particular, its destructive and self defeating requirement that at least one-third of all HIV prevention funds be used to support abstinence-until-marriage programs. I commend you for your hard and honest work. It is good to know that I can count on you to work to protect people around the world who are suffering from the AIDS pandemic.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
September 18, 2006

Background Information

Prevention Strategies in developing countries are under-funded due to PEPFAR policies.
PEPFAR fails to ensure that all individuals and groups at risk of infection will have access to complete HIV prevention information, education, and training.
These policies and practices favor awarding PEPFAR funds to faith-based organizations, including those with little or no relevant international development experience, require emphasis on abstinence-focused programming, require grant recipients to make "anti-prostitution" pledges, and underplay the use of condoms as an effective prevention strategy.