PPMNS PRESIDENT AND CEO SARAH STOESZ’S STATEMENT ON GOVERNOR PAWLENTY’S REFUSAL OF FEDERAL FUNDING

“It defies logic that the governor of a state in a budget crisis would turn away nearly a million dollars in federal funding for services that are profoundly needed across Minnesota. Minnesota’s young people are in the midst of an epidemic of sexually transmitted infections, with rates rising to historic levels,” said PPMNS President and CEO Sarah Stoesz.

“The federal government is now committed to fully funding programs that work. Governor Pawlenty is refusing those funds in favor of failed abstinence-only policy that will cost the state of Minnesota nearly $400, 000,” Stoesz said.

“The PREP program, which Governor Pawlenty turned down today, was created to teach teens how to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS, protect their health, make responsible decisions, and learn critical skills needed to form healthy relationships with parents, peers and partners,” said Stoesz.

“Nearly half of all Minnesota teens are sexually active by their senior year. It’s not fiscally sound or morally responsible to deny these teens the information they need to prevent pregnancy and the transmission of infections that can lead to infertility and chronic illness,” Stoesz said.

A Peter D. Hart Research poll shows a majority of voters in nearly every demographic category, including Democrats, Republicans, and independents, as well as Catholics and evangelical Christians, support comprehensive sex education.“Planned Parenthood knows firsthand the power of education to help teens make responsible decisions about their health and calls on Governor Pawlenty to accept the funding and protect the health and well-being of our young people,” said Stoesz.