Illinois Senate Votes in Favor of Comprehensive Sex Education

We are thrilled to announce that the Sexual Health Education bill (HB 2675) just passed in the Illinois Senate! The final vote resulted in 37 voting in favor and 21 voting against. This is wonderful news for Illinois youth!

HB 2675 creates a standard for existing sexual health education courses taught in grades 6-12. It provides medically accurate, age-appropriate, complete information on reducing STIs and unintended pregnancies including information on abstinence, contraception, healthy relationships and boundary setting.

“The goal of any top quality sexual health education program should be to help young people make responsible, healthy decisions. Today we are pleased that the Illinois Senate voted to ensure that teens in Illinois have access to medically accurate, age appropriate, comprehensive sex education,” said Carole Brite, Planned Parenthood of Illinois President and CEO. “Studies show that sex education that covers contraception and disease prevention results in teens who are more likely to delay sexual activity and use protection when sexual activity does occur. More than 30,000 teens in Illinois become pregnant each year, and adolescents account for the majority of reported sexually transmitted infections in the state. This bill is a huge step forward in advancing the health and safety of young people in Illinois—while they are teenagers and throughout their adult lives.”

Thank you to all of our supporters who took action by contacting their elected officials, writing letters to the editor and sharing this campaign with friends and family! This is a victory of which we can all be proud! Stay tuned for more information as the bill gets sent to the Governor's office for signature.
________________________________________________________________________________

This post was created by Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL). PPIL provides comprehensive reproductive healthcare services and education to more than 60,000 Illinoisans each year. Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA) is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of PPIL.

Connect with PPIL on Google+ and LinkedIn.
Connect with PPIA on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube.
Subscribe to our blog feed. 

Take steps to better health during National Women’s Health Week

National Women’s Health Week kicked off on Mother’s Day. Planned Parenthood of Illinois is helping women make their health a priority with caring and unbiased services at 17 health centers throughout the state.

Every woman a well-woman

Take control of your health this week! Start by making an appointment for a confidential well-woman exam. These checkups include screenings for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), breast and cervical cancer, and an opportunity to get the birth control that’s right for you.

Well-woman visits are to prevent problems in the future, or to detect any issues so you can get treated right away. A health care provider will perform a pelvic exam, or gynecological exam, to be sure that your sexual and reproductive organs are ok.

Even me?

It’s important for all women - gay, straight, single, married, sexually active or not - to have gynecological care. How often you go and what tests a health care provider will perform depend on your needs and medical history.

Women should have their first pelvic exams when they are 21 years old, unless they have a medical issue that needs to be addressed earlier. It’s normal to be a little nervous about it, but there are ways to prepare for the trip that can make you feel better.

Even you!

Remember, this is really about getting you the care you need, so if you’re uncomfortable or have questions, speak up. Thinking about what STIs you might need to get tested for or your birth control options can help you make the most of your trip.

Everyone deserves quality, affordable health care. If you don’t have health insurance or have health insurance with a high deductible, you can still make an appointment. Planned Parenthood will work with you to make sure you get the care you need.

No matter what

The Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, is also making it possible for women to get preventive services, such as cancer screenings, STI tests, and birth control without copays. The law takes full effect on Oct. 1, but is already helping people. Almost 2 million women in Illinois don’t have to worry about lifetime limits on health benefits anymore. That means insurance companies can’t stop paying for treatments for those facing cancer and other diseases.

Simple steps

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has some suggestions for other ways you can start leading a healthier life this week.

• Get active to lower your risk of illness, and increase physical and mental functions.

• Eat healthy to get all the vitamins and minerals your body needs.

• Take care of your mental health by dealing with stress and getting plenty of sleep.

• Avoid unhealthy behaviors, such as texting while driving, or smoking.

Put it on your calendar!

Schedule a well-woman visit, and test your knowledge of women’s health. It’s confidential, respectful and all about you.
__________________________________________________________________________

This post was created by Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL). PPIL provides comprehensive reproductive healthcare services and education to more than 60,000 Illinoisans each year. Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA) is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of PPIL.

Connect with PPIL on Google+ and LinkedIn.
Connect with PPIA on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube.
Subscribe to our blog feed. 

Nearly 400 Supporters Attend Generations Gala

Nearly 400 supporters of all generations attended our Generations Gala at Chicago's historic Navy Pier last Thursday night which raised more than $350,000 in support of Planned Parenthood of Illinois' mission!

The Lehman Family

This year we honored the Lehman Family for their support of Planned Parenthood and access to women’s healthcare for three generations. Building on the example of Elliot and Frances Lehman, the Lehman family has supported Planned Parenthood through leadership roles, board service, and financial support, making a lasting impact on Illinois women. We could not be more grateful for their support!

We also honored Sandra Fluke with the Margaret Wiley Carr Bright Horizons Award, an award that honors the next generation of influential activists in the reproductive rights movement.

“It’s an honor to be recognized with the Planned Parenthood of Illinois Margaret Wiley Carr Bright Horizons Award. As an attorney and social justice advocate, I’m committed to fighting alongside Planned Parenthood for reproductive justice for all women and men, including immigrant members of our communities. As we celebrate tonight’s Generations Gala and reflect on what our generation’s legacy will be, we must all commit to ensuring that immigration reform includes access to health benefits for families paying taxes on the road to citizenship.”

Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America also attended the event and  spoke about the current state of women’s healthcare and what Planned Parenthood is doing today to protect reproductive healthcare for future generations.

Cecile Richards, Carole Brite, Sandra Fluke

“It’s more important than ever that we stand together in support of women’s health care. As Planned Parenthood gears up for the Affordable Care Act, which represents the most significant step forward for women’s health care in decades, politicians across the country continue to introduce bills that aim to restrict access to women’s health care. That’s why Planned Parenthood is absolutely committed to ensuring all women, men, and teens in Illinois have access to the care they need to stay healthy and have the information they need to get health insurance."

Senator Heather Steans (D-7) talked about the Accurate Sexual Health Education Bill (HB 2675) which passed in the Illinois House this April by a vote of 66 to 52. Senator Steans has introduced the bill in the Illinois Senate every year for the last three years. HB 2675 creates a standard for age appropriate comprehensive sexual health education courses for Illinois public school youth.

"The passing of HB 2675 in the House was a huge victory for Illinois youth who are now one step closer to receiving age-appropriate sexual health education. One of the most important things we can teach our youth is how to be safe and healthy. Studies show that sexual health education that is medically accurate, age-appropriate, and comprehensive, will help reach this goal."

And of course, the unwavering Carole Brite, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Illinois also addressed guests.

“Planned Parenthood of Illinois provides comprehensive reproductive healthcare to more than 60,000 women, men, and teens across the state each year. Our collective mission – which we renew tonight – is to make sure that nothing stands in the way of women receiving the healthcare that they need and deserve– no matter what. ”

The Second City performs improv at the Gala.

As if that weren't enough, two actors from The Second City also attended and gave an impromptu improv performance for any topic the highest bidder chose. The winning topic: the Detroit Redwings. Thank you to The Second City!

Finally, David Eigenberg, who plays Christopher Herrmann on Chicago Fire and played Steve Brady on Sex and the City, dropped by the event and spoke to guests about why the work that Planned Parenthood does it so important to women, men, and teens. Thank you, David!

The Generations Gala was incredible. Thank you to everyone who attended, helped organize the event, and who has stood by Planned Parenthood's side generation after generation to support access to women's healthcare!

Stay tuned to our Facebook page for photos from the event!

______________________________________________________________________________

This post was created by Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL). PPIL provides comprehensive reproductive healthcare services and education to more than 60,000 Illinoisans each year. Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA) is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of PPIL.

Connect with PPIL on Google+ and LinkedIn.
Connect with PPIA on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube.
Subscribe to our blog feed. 

National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy

Today is the National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy! Planned Parenthood is partnering with the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy to help young people delay becoming parents until they are ready.

The good news

The number of teenage pregnancies is at its lowest in almost 40 years, and the rate of teens giving birth is also at its lowest since officials started keeping track of teenage pregnancy statistics.

Illinois is right in the middle for teen birth rate, at 27 out of 50 states, plus the District of Columbia.

There are also new online tools where people can learn about sexual health and avoiding pregnancy.

Some great resources are:

• Planned Parenthood - with special info for teens including Q&A and a chat function

• Bedsider - with information on birth control and where to get it

• My Method - to help you choose the birth control that’s right for you

• Scarleteen - free and fabulous sex ed online

• Stay Teen - info on sex, relationships and teen pregnancy

The bad news

Teenage pregnancy rates are down, but three out of 10 girls will still get pregnant before turning 20. For Latina teens, that number is higher; 40 percent of Latina girls will become pregnant before they are 20 years old.

Having a child is a key reason many girls drop out of high school. In Chicago, only about 70 percent of high school students finish.

What we’re doing

A recent poll from the Center for Latino Adolescent and Family Health at New York University found that reducing teen pregnancy was a major priority for Latinos. Planned Parenthood is hosting a Twitter town hall meeting on May 7 with Latina magazine, to discuss the issues with experts, community leaders and celebrities.

Studies also show that age-appropriate comprehensive sex education which includes information about abstinence reduces onset of sexual activity and increases the use of protection when sexual activity does occur. This spring Planned Parenthood of Illinois has been supporting HB 2675, or the Accurate Sexual Health Education bill, in the Illinois General Assembly. HB2675 provides for medically accurate, age-appropriate and complete information about sexually transmitted infections as well as pregnancy in Illinois public schools.

What you can do

Parents have a big influence on teens’ sexual decisions. Talk to your kids this week about waiting to have sex, and how to stay healthy and protected when they do.

Teens - this day is about you, so own it! Update your Facebook status about the National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, and tweet about it with hashtag #ND13. Tell your friends to learn more, and enter to win a $25 iTunes gift card.

__________________________________________________________________________

This post was created by Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL). PPIL provides comprehensive reproductive healthcare services and education to more than 60,000 Illinoisans each year. Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA) is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of PPIL.

Connect with PPIL on Google+ and LinkedIn.
Connect with PPIA on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube.
Subscribe to our blog feed.