FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                         Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Contact: Senator Kathy Sgambati

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SENATE COMMITTEE HEARS TESTIMONY ON ADULT INVOLVEMENT BILL

CONCORD – Legislation to ensure that young teenagers facing an unexpected pregnancy get information and support from an adult is not a political maneuver – it’s an attempt to protect adolescent health.

So testified supporters of Senate Bill 527 speaking before the Senate Health and Human Services Committee today. Senate Bill 527 would require clinics and doctors to provide information and counseling for pregnant teens under age 17 as they grapple with the decisions that follow from an unintended pregnancy. Where appropriate, counselors would encourage teens to speak to their parents or other family.

“It’s not a compromise; it’s not a political solution. It’s an insurance policy for young people,” said Senator Kathleen Sgambati (D-Tilton) who proposed the legislation.

“This counseling is already made available to teens at clinics all over the state. But I believe there is value in taking our best practices and making them state policy. The state has always protected children and set standards for their care. This is no different,” she said.

“It protects our most vulnerable teens,” testified Ann Larney of Planned Parenthood of Northern New England, which supports the legislation. While most teens are able to talk about an unplanned pregnancy with their parents, Planned Parenthood has counseled many others who have compelling reasons not to involve their parents, she said.

The legislation has divided members of the pro-choice community and even health care providers. Two doctors testified today – one in support and one in opposition.

Good information about available choices is vital if patients are to feel good about the decisions they make whether that’s in reproductive health or other medical procedures, said Dr. Patrick Olson, who supports the bill. Olson is an orthopedic surgery resident at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center who’s involved with Dartmouth’s Center for Informed Decision Making.

“Adults always seem to focus on their own needs, then on those of young people. This is an opportunity to put the needs of our young people first,” said Senator Maggie Hassan (D-Exeter), a co-sponsor.

“I think this is the best policy for our state, its teens and its parents,” said Senator Joe Foster (D-Nashua), father to three girls and another co-sponsor.