Guest Commentary written by

Ria Babaria

Ria Babaria

Ria Babaria is a student at UCLA. She is the chief of policy and legislative director at Generation Up, which co-sponsored Senate Bill 541.

Martin Orea

Martin Orea

Martin Orea is a high school senior and youth ambassador with the YHES 4 Condoms Campaign.

This year, California lawmakers passed a critical bill that would’ve required free access to condoms in all public high schools statewide, aiming to counter the rising tide of sexually transmitted infections among teens. The veto by Gov. Gavin Newsom was a setback, but young people are committed to maintaining the urgent call for sexual and reproductive health equity.

California’s alarming increase in STI rates, especially among teens and young adults, underscores the importance of Senate Bill 541. For the eighth consecutive year, the numbers continue to climb, with over half of all STIs occurring among youth ages 15-24. Young people make up more than 5 out of every 10 chlamydia cases in California, and disproportionately impact Black youth and women. 

Because STIs are often asymptomatic, many people may not know they should get tested. Left undetected, untreated STIs can lead to severe long-term health problems, including an increased risk of contracting HIV, infertility, cancer and even blindness. 

California spends approximately $1 billion annually on health costs associated with STIs, a financial burden that could be alleviated with more proactive prevention. Condoms are a cost-effective tool that can significantly reduce the spread of STIs and protect teens’ long-term health. 

Providing free condoms in schools is not a new or radical idea. Some school districts in Los Angeles have offered free condoms to students for decades. However, in less densely populated areas, teens face pronounced hurdles in obtaining contraceptives. 

A young advocate from the Central Valley region told us a poignant story about a friend’s anxiety over purchasing condoms at a pharmacy and the inability to order them online because their parents would find out. This narrative isn’t isolated – it echoes across many rural communities in the state, indicating that access to sexual health resources in uneven across California. 

Increasing access to condoms and reducing the stigma and shame around sexual health is a crucial prevention strategy. A survey conducted through Essential Access Health’s TeenSource program found that over 75% of teens believe it’s essential to have condoms available in schools. Yet, more than half reported that their schools don’t provide them.

Members of underrepresented and minority communities, including LGBTQ+ youth, also recounted instances of being denied condom purchases or experiencing judgment when attempting to buy condoms, underscoring the broader prejudices that affect sexual health. We should strive to guarantee equal access to sexual and reproductive health resources, regardless of a student’s sexual orientation, gender or location.

While the governor’s veto of SB 541 was due to the state’s ongoing “economic risk and revenue uncertainty” was a missed opportunity, California has a proud history championing sexual and reproductive health. It’s imperative that the state continues to equip students with the resources necessary to make informed decisions. 

The journey towards actualizing SB 541’s objectives may be delayed, but we will continue to advocate for the health and well-being of California’s youth because our state’s future depends on it. It’s a matter of health, equality and justice.