New Hampshire Congressional Delegation Urges Federal Support for Sex Education Programs Amid Funding Cuts

Strategic Insights -

As the state's Executive Council continues to deny critical funding for sex education programs, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen has led a delegation of lawmakers in urging the federal government to provide support to these vital programs. For nearly a decade, New Hampshire has received funding for the Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP), which has dramatically reduced teen pregnancy rates and provided information on reproductive health, sexually transmitted diseases, and contraception. The delegation's letter, signed by Senators Shaheen and Maggie Hassan, and Representatives Annie Kuster and Chris Pappas, emphasizes the importance of these programs and the devastating impact of the funding cuts. The group is working to secure federal funding to continue these programs and prevent the classes from being canceled, leaving hundreds of New Hampshire youth without access to critical sex education and pregnancy prevention programs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The New Hampshire Executive Council has repeatedly denied PREP funding for TLC Family Resource Center and Amoskeag Health since September, forcing classes to be canceled and depriving the state of $682,074 over three years.
  • The delegation's letter, signed by Senators Shaheen and Hassan, and Representatives Kuster and Pappas, urges HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra to work with the state and PREP providers to find a means to directly fund these vital programs.
  • The programs, which have reduced teen pregnancy rates and provided information on reproductive health and contraception, are expected to be canceled until an accessible federal funding source becomes available or in perpetuity.
  • The congressional delegation and Executive Councilor Cinde Warmington are working together to secure funding before more harm is done to New Hampshire teens.
  • TLC Family Resource Center and Amoskeag Health have expressed disappointment and concern over the funding cuts, citing the importance of the programs in improving outcomes for teens and young children.

Statistics:

  • Taen pregnancy rates in Manchester have decreased by 50% in the last 10 years due to the PREP program.
  • The state is losing $682,074 over three years due to the Executive Council's denial of PREP funding.
  • Over 250 youth were expected to participate in the PREP program, with dedicated, multi-year funding.
  • Amoskeag Health has provided PREP to over 10,000 high school-aged students over the last 10 years.
  • The PREP program has a proven track record of reducing teen pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.

Sources:

  • Letter from U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan, and U.S. Representatives Annie Kuster and Chris Pappas to HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra (September 2022).
  • Statement from Executive Councilor Cinde Warmington (September 2022).
  • Statement from Stephanie Slayton, Executive Director of TLC Family Resource Center (September 2022).
  • Statement from Kris McCracken, President/CEO of Amoskeag Health (September 2022).