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Planned Parenthood PA Advocates Condemns Senate Bill 7, 'The Book Ban'

For Immediate Release: Oct. 25, 2023 (Updated: Oct. 25, 2023, 3:39 p.m.)


(Harrisburg, Pa.) --- Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates condemns Senate Bill 7, legislation that would pave the way to discriminatory book bans in school districts across the state. 

“Sexual health and wellness education is an extremely helpful thing for young people, and having those conversations and resources in public schools reduces bullying among students, and improves body image,” PPPA Policy Director Adam Hosey. “Sex education is not profane or explicit, it’s life-affirming and essential.”

Parents already have the right to opt their child out of curriculum or literature they object to, on an individual basis. Furthermore, Pennsylvania is one of a handful of states that does not mandate comprehensive sex education in public school, and instead merely encourages an abstinence-based approach to this subject. This is a separate health problem, but keeping sex education resources in libraries is absolutely essential - as the alternative is no access to this content for many students.

“Book bans like this unfairly target and lead to bullying of LGBTQ+ students. PPPA takes extreme issue with the language and misleading testimony in hearings about this bill - including Senators’ reference to ‘disordered lifestyles’,” continued Hosey. “All people deserve to see themselves represented in literature, no matter who they are or who they love. There is nothing disordered about that.”

In book ban challenges across the country, half of the books reviewed were flagged for merely having LGBTQ characters or themes. 

For more information on PPPA and access to abortion care in Pennsylvania, please visit our website.

MEDIA CONTACT: Brittany Crampsie, 717 712 3480


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Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates (PPPA) exists to create a Pennsylvania where sexual and reproductive healthcare, including abortion, is accessible, affordable, and affirming for all. We achieve this, in partnership with the 3 Planned Parenthood affiliates in Pennsylvania, through electoral and advocacy campaigns, lobbying, and organizing.

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