H.R.2701: Youth Access to Sexual Health Services Act of 2019

The Youth Access to Sexual Health Services Act would authorize HHS to award grants to support the access of marginalized youth to sexual health services such as sexual health education and contraception. These grants could be given to state/local health or education agencies, public schools, nonprofit organizations, hospitals, and tribal organizations. The bill would redirect unused federal funds for abstinence education to this grant program.

These grants could be used to: (1) provide sexual health information to marginalized youth, (2) promote effective communication regarding sexual health among marginalized youth, (3) promote and support opportunities for school-age parents, and (3) train individuals who work with marginalized youth to promote sexual health and the development of safe and supportive environments.

These grants could not be used to provide access to health services that: (1) are medically unsound; (2) withhold sexual health-promoting or lifesaving information; (3) promote gender stereotypes; or (4) are insensitive or unresponsive to the needs of young people.

S. 1530 is the Senate companion bill introduced by Sen. Mazie Hirono