This year’s conference covered a wide range of topics, including sexuality education, performance measures, the new HIV testing guidelines, the HPV vaccine, and adolescent brain development. The conference included a luncheon to honor Representative Diana DeGette (D-CO) with an Award for Outstanding Public Service. Representative DeGette, a champion of reproductive rights and leader among Democrats on the Hill, discussed the challenges facing the family planning community in light of the current administration’s opposition toward reproductive rights. She also spoke of the frustrations faced by a Democratic Congress working with a President who has promised to veto any legislation that expands family planning services. Despite the current political struggles, Representative DeGette was truly inspirational in her hopes for the future, particularly with the 2008 elections on the horizon.

CFHC policy staff participated in the coordination of a successful event for new legislative staff members (staffers) on Capitol Hill. In conjunction with the Family Planning Councils of America, new staffers were treated to a breakfast where they learned about family planning. Rachel Benson Gold of the Guttmacher Institute and Kate Winkler, Chief of Staff for Representative Joseph Crowley (D-NY) made interesting presentations at this breakfast. Staffers learned basic facts about family planning and the success of programs such as Title X. Ms. Winkler gave pointers about how to work on reproductive health issues both with their Senator or Representative as well as with their colleagues on the Hill.

CFHC staff used the time in DC as an opportunity to visit nine Congressional offices, to ask for support of an increase to Title X funding and co-sponsorship of the “Unintended Pregnancy Reduction Act.” This Act would create a federal law to implement the Federal Medicaid Section 1115 Waiver in all interested states. This would allow states to provide family planning services to any individual who would otherwise qualify for services related to a pregnancy.

Next year's NFPRHA conference will take place April 27-30, 2008 in Washington, DC.  Mark your calendars now and join us for what will surely be an equally inspiring and productive conference.

To learn more about public policy at CFHC, contact Jody Leibman at (800) 440-3238 ext. 4416 or via email at leibmanj@cfhc.org.

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