CONTACT MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE AND TELL THEM TO VOTE NO ON SB 223!

Senate Bill 223, introduced by Sen. Renee Unterman (R-45th), would create a Women's Reproductive Health Legislative Oversight Committee to review and evaluate the effectiveness of all state and federally funded programs and health care providers and facilities licensed by the state that provide services related to women's reproductive health.  At face, SB 223 appears to represent sound public policy, whereby the state would ensure state and federal dollars are used appropriately in order to provide women in Georgia the best reproductive health service possible.

Unfortunately, this bill is laden with serious concerns which can potentially undermine existing adolescent service providers who champion proven methods of addressing teenage pregnancy and STI/HIV prevention.  The proposed committee would have unprecedented influence in determining what services can be offered in Georgia and, more important, define state and federal funding eligibility requirements. Without additional clarification, SB 223 threatens science based adolescent pregnancy prevention, comprehensive sex education and its supporting organizations.

Our concern stems from the lack of certain safeguard measures which most adolescent service providers, public health officials, non-profits and medical professionals would agree are necessary if this oversight committee is to protect the health interest of adolescents in Georgia.  Specifically, the bill does not address the following:
Legislative Intent-It is unclear as to the reason(s) for establishing an oversight committee at this juncture.  There must be a compelling argument for seeking to expand government and consolidate power amongst a group of ten legislators who would unilaterally recommend how billions of federal and state dollars will be used.

Transparency-There are no requirements for holding public hearings and disseminating any findings or reports to the public.  Also, who will be responsible for evaluation and review of programs, providers and agencies?  More important, will the responsible entity be chosen through a public Request For Proposal process?

Accountability-SB 223 does not offer criteria for committee selection, allow for the addition of ex-officio members from the medical and public health community or allow minority leaders from both chambers any appointment power.

Community and Expert Input-As stated earlier, there is no provision within SB 223 that protects the right of citizens, service providers and experts to testify, submit data or publicly express their views on matters concerning adolescent health.

Georgia does not need a Women's Reproductive Health Oversight Committee which could potentially favor programs and service providers who do not use effective approaches to address teenage pregnancy prevention.  This is especially critical since federal policy and funding are moving towards supporting evidenced-based curricula and programs that are proven to mitigate high risk behavior which lead to unintended outcomes.

Let your voice be heard.  Notify members of the House Judiciary Committee to oppose SB 223.
 

Click here to download a model letter.