PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Elise Benusa, Government Relations and Policy Manager at Planned Parenthood of Greater New York
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Elise Benusa from Planned Parenthood of Greater New York (PPGNY) testified in support of comprehensive sexual health education in NYC schools. She emphasized PPGNY's experience as a healthcare provider and educator, highlighting the importance of comprehensive sex ed for young people's health and well-being.
- PPGNY supports Resolution 94, which calls for passing state legislation mandating comprehensive sexuality instruction for grades 5-12
- Research consistently shows that comprehensive sexual health education is effective
- Comprehensive sex ed includes topics like anatomy, STI prevention, gender, consent, and healthy relationships
Elise Benusa
3:08:05
good afternoon or good evening.
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My name is Elise Benusa, and I'm the government relations and policy policy manager at Planned Parenthood of Greater New York.
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I'd like to thank committee chair Joseph and Lewis for holding this important oversight hearing.
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Planned Parenthood of Greater New York has been a leading provider of sexual and reproductive health services in New York City for over a 100 years, conducting over 70,000 patient visits per year.
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In 2023, PBGNY engaged 23,000 individuals through our education and community engagement programs.
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Our programs provide tools to help our participants make informed decisions and lead healthy and safe lives.
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Our experience at PBGNY as a sexual health education and service provider shows us firsthand the gaps that remain in New York City's health education, which significantly impacts young people's health and well-being.
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Research has consistently shown that comprehensive sexual education sexual health education works.
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Comprehensive sexuality education includes the teaching of anatomy, physiology, puberty, pregnancy and reproduction, STI and HIV prevention and treatment, as well as gender, respect for others' values, cultures, and identities, positive body image, healthy relationships, and consent, anti bullying, and anti intimate partner violence measures.
3:09:24
PPGNY supports resolution 94, which calls on the New York State Legislature to pass and gov governor Hochul to sign a companion bill, which would require comprehensive sexuality instruction for students in grades 5 through 12, which addresses age and developmentally appropriate physical, mental, emotional, and social dimensions of human sexuality, and reflects the National Sexuality Education Standards.
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We wanna thank council member Hanif for sponsoring and championing this bill.
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During a time when the federal government has increased its effort, efforts to curb access to sexuality education, it's imperative that New York adopt measures that ensure students have access to sexuality education to promote positive youth development, healthy relationships, and communication, which is crucial in helping young people to make healthy life decisions.
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We applaud New York City city's commitment to ensuring youth have access to comprehensive sexuality education, and we look forward to continuing to work with the council to break down the barriers New Yorkers face in realizing safe and healthy lives.
3:10:28
Thank you so much.