Senator Ochoa Bogh at a press conference with supporters of SB 1368. Click here for high-resolution photos.
Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-Yucaipa) released the following statement after Senate Bill 1368 failed to pass the Senate Education Committee. SB 1368 would bring into parity the resources offered to students, giving them information on licensed pregnancy centers.
At a press conference prior to the bill’s hearing, Senator Ochoa Bogh and her supporters discussed the need to offer middle and high schools access to all available information should they find themselves facing an unplanned pregnancy or another reproductive health issue in order for them to make educated and informed choices. Click here for remarks in English from Senator Ochoa Bogh and Kellee Bradford and click here for remarks in Spanish from Senator Ochoa Bogh.
“Yesterday's press conference highlighted the invaluable contributions and personal stories from those deeply involved in providing support and medical services to those facing challenging pregnancy decisions through licensed pregnancy centers,” said Senator Ochoa Bogh. “Students receiving state-mandated education deserve to know all available options so they can make fully-informed decisions about issues surrounding their sexual health. Diverse options create informed futures.”
Kellee Bradford bravely shared her firsthand experience with Licensed Pregnancy Centers and reasons why she supports SB 1368.
“I pray that [my daughter] and her peers would be educated on all of the resources available to them that this bill provides,” said Bradford. “We all deserve to know all of our options, and pregnancy care centers provide vital information that we need to make the best decisions for ourselves and our unborn child.”
“I am proud that Senator Ochoa Bogh chose Life Choice Pregnancy Center as a sponsor of SB 1368,” said Kathleen Jones, Chief Executive Officer at Life Choice Pregnancy Center. I thank Senator Ochoa Bogh for her heart and passion for educating the youth of California.”
Key components of SB 1368:
Would have directed the Department of Education to include information about pregnancy centers on its website.
- Would have updated this content will give students more information and more choices.
- Would not have replaced current curriculum or remove existing resource information from instruction or the Department of Education’s website.
Key figures on Licensed Pregnancy Centers:
In 2019, pregnancy centers in California provided services and materials valued at more than $14.3 million, serving 93,957 women, men, youth, and families.
- There were 33,802 free pregnancy tests
- 22,264 free ultrasounds performed by registered nurses and medical sonographers,
- 4,571 total STD/STI tests performed by RNs – 77% female and 23% male.
- These medical services totaled $7,341,844 but were free of charge for our communities.
The free material items have also made an impact providing a total of 187,127 total free baby items to families in need.
- 56,100 packs of diapers
- 31,931 packs of baby wipes
- 97,176 new and used baby clothing outfits
- 1,180 new car seats
- 740 new car seats