For Immediate Release
August 22, 2017

Contact: Zach Eisenstein
Phone: (202) 265-2405 ext 333
zeisenstein@siecus.org

Youth Access to Sexual Health Services Act seeks to remove barriers to affordable, youth-friendly and culturally competent sexual health care

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The recently introduced Youth Access to Sexual Health Services Act (YASHS Act) seeks to provide grants to increase and improve access to sexual and reproductive health care and related services to marginalized young people. The bill aims to remove currently existing health care barriers and fund science-based, shame-free sexual health care services. Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS) President and CEO Chitra Panjabi issued the following statement in response:

“As an organization that has worked for 53 years to improve sexual health and well-being for all people, SIECUS thanks Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Congresswoman Alma S. Adams (D-NC-12) and the 19 Senators and Representatives for their leadership in efforts to improve the health of our nation’s most vulnerable youth.

Young people need affordable, age-appropriate, and culturally competent sexual health care. They also deserve providers who trust, respect, and support them in making their own choices. Yet, too many — especially young people of color, LGBTQIA youth and otherwise vulnerable young people — face barriers to getting the care they need.

Cost, transportation, stigma, discrimination, lack of provider knowledge, and perceived lack of confidentiality prevent young people from accessing crucial sexual health services. These factors contribute to a variety of health disparities experienced by young people. This legislation will both limit these factors and lessen these disparities.

By equipping young people with the knowledge and ability to access and obtain sexual health services, the Youth Access to Sexual Health Services Act would help marginalized young people bridge societal barriers to ensure their lifelong health and well-being.”

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SIECUS affirms that sexuality is a fundamental part of being human, one that is worthy of dignity and respect. We advocate for the right of all people to accurate information, comprehensive education about sexuality, and sexual health services. SIECUS works to create a world that ensures social justice and sexual rights.