The Ohio Prevention First Act, similar to the REAL Act proposed at the federal level would provide realistic sexuality education and teen pregnancy prevention programs, guaranteed access to birth control prescriptions, ensure contraceptive equity, and provide emergency contraception access and education.  On Wednesday November 18, 2009 I as well as nine other witnesses provided testimony as to why this Act should move beyond this second hearing (the furthest it has gotten in the past five years). 

I had prepared my testimony as to why this act was important focusing on the rising number of teens contracting STIs in my home county, Hardin County,  and number of teen and young adult pregnancies in my family (of 31 cousins 13 are or will be parents before the age of 21). Hardin County teaches abstinence only education and little to know information and often misinformation on STIs. 

Speaking of which did you know that there are no contraceptives that help prevent STIs?!?!? Yes everyone, according to a local health teacher not even condoms help prevent STIs. (For those that may have been taught this or that may be confused condoms do really help prevent STIs, so if you have sex WEAR A CONDOM!!!! or use a dental dam or a finger cot, whatever it is to keep you STI free! Thanks!)

Each of the nine other witnesses had something different to say but overall the message ran clear that the Ohio Prevention First Act is very important especially for the teenage and young adult population.  As I stood giving my testimony I was more nervous than I have ever been in my life (even coming out to my parents as being queer was easier!).  At the end of the day however I feel like I as well as the other witnesses made our points and hopefully we will be seeing the Ohio Prevention First Act in front of the entire Ohio House soon.  As of right now though I need to go follow up with a particular Republican Representative that may be on the fence!

If you would like to inform the Ohio Health Committee that you believe the Ohio Prevention First Act should be moved in front of the entire Ohio House of Representatives you can do so! You can click the link http://www.ppaction.org/campaign/OhioPreventionFirstAct and fill out the information and hit the “sign now” button, or you can call or mail your representative, their phone numbers and addresses can be found here http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/ .