Prevention First Hearing Letter

Thank you for attempting to take action.  We have just been notified that the Ohio Prevention First Act will receive its first hearing in the Ohio House Health Committee on Wednesday, October 21st at 4PM in Room 116 of the Statehouse.

The Ohio Prevention First Act (HB 293) was introduced on September 30 in the Ohio House of Representatives and assigned to the House Health Committee.

As you know, the Ohio Prevention First Act will increase access to critical family-planning services and ensure that our teens get comprehensive, medically accurate and age-appropriate sex education.


Thank you!

Gary Dougherty
State Legislative Director

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Please hold a Prevention First Hearing

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

As you know, the Ohio Prevention First Act (HB 293) was recently introduced by Rep. Tyrone Yates. I appreciate your co-sponsorship of this critical legislation and encourage you, as Chair of the House Health Committee, to schedule hearings on the bill as quickly as possible, ideally before Thanksgiving.

This is the third time that Rep. Yates has championed the need for increased access to birth control, emergency contraception, and comprehensive, medically accurate sex education.

With increased support within the House and the support of a broad coalition of organizations throughout Ohio, I am hopeful that the Ohio Prevention First Act will get the immediate attention of the House Health Committee as well as the entire House membership.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
October 15, 2009


Background Information

 The Ohio Prevention First Act (HB 293) was introduced on September 30 in the Ohio House of Representatives and assigned to the House Health Committee.

As you know, the Ohio Prevention First Act will increase access to critical family-planning services and ensure that our teens get comprehensive, medically accurate and age-appropriate sex education.

Whereas the legislature continues to grapple with difficult budget issues, every day that passes without a hearing on the Ohio Prevention First Act is a lost opportunity.

Please take a moment to encourage State Rep. Barbara Boyd (D-Cleveland Heights), Chair of the House Health Committee and a co-sponsor of the Ohio Prevention First Act, to schedule hearings on HB 293 before Thanksgiving.

With pro-choice leadership in the Ohio House, including Speaker Armond Budish (a former co-sponsor of the Ohio Prevention First Act) and Chairwoman Boyd, we must waste no opportunity to discuss the need for comprehensive sex education; greater access to birth control and emergency contraception, particularly for rape victims; and increased emphasis on techniques to prevent teen pregnancy.

Your note to Rep. Boyd will help to demonstrate the breadth of support for the Ohio Prevention First Act.

Thank you!

Gary Dougherty
State Legislative Director