East SBV Times

Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-Yucaipa) expressed disappointment after Senate Bill 1368 failed to pass the Senate Education Committee. The bill aimed to provide students with comprehensive information on licensed pregnancy centers, allowing them to make educated choices about reproductive health issues.

At a press conference before the bill’s hearing, Senator Ochoa Bogh emphasized the importance of giving students access to all available information when facing unplanned pregnancies or other reproductive health challenges. She stated, “Diverse options create informed futures.”

Supporter Kellee Bradford shared her personal experience with Licensed Pregnancy Centers and voiced her support for SB 1368, saying, “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.”

Kathleen Jones, Chief Executive Officer at Life Choice Pregnancy Center, commended Senator Ochoa Bogh for selecting their center as a sponsor of the bill, thanking her for her dedication to educating the youth of California.

The proposed SB 1368 would have directed the Department of Education to include information about pregnancy centers on its website, providing students with more choices and resources without replacing current curriculum or removing existing information.

In 2019, pregnancy centers in California offered services and materials worth over $14.3 million, benefiting nearly 94,000 individuals. These services included free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and STD/STI tests, all provided by registered nurses and medical professionals at no cost to the community. Additionally, these centers distributed a significant number of essential baby items to families in need, such as diapers, baby wipes, clothing, and car seats.

Despite the setback in the Senate Education Committee, the supporters of SB 1368 remain committed to advocating for diverse choices and informed futures for students in California.