Women's Health

By Jeffrey C. Dahlander

I support a woman's right to make her own decisions about her health and her body. The government does not have a place in a woman's personal choices--only a woman and her health care provider(s) can make such decisions. I will not support any legislation that interferes with women's private lives or the difficult choices that women may need to make.

Comprehensive and age appropriate sex education is crucial to protect our youth.  I support The Healthy Youth Acte sponsored by Representative Chelsea Wagner (D-Allegheny County) sets guidelines for Pennsylvania public schools for teaching sex education in schools. The bill would require:

Provide age-appropriate, medically accurate, and non-discriminatory information; Teach and reinforce that not engaging in sexual intercourse is the only certain way to prevent pregnancy and to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV/AIDS; Provide information about the health benefits of condoms and other barrier methods as a means to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV; Encourage youth to communicate with family and trusted adults about sexuality; Teach that alcohol and drug use can affect the ability to make responsible decisions. Additionally, I support free or reduced priced contraception and access to Emergency Contraception in the Commonwealth.