FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 17th, 2025

Contact: Alison Macklin

amacklin@siecus.org

Washington, D.C. – SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change proudly endorses the HHS Reproductive and Sexual Health Ombuds Act of 2025, introduced by Congresswoman Nikema Williams, along with Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (D-TX), and Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (D-TX). This essential legislation would create a dedicated Ombuds within the Department of Health and Human Services to help ensure that people nationwide can access comprehensive, accurate reproductive and sexual health information and services, including medically accurate, evidence based sex education. 

Establishing an Ombuds will contribute to institutionalizing comprehensive sex education at the federal level and reinforces the message that access to accurate information is essential for access to sexual and reproductive health care. 

“This legislation reaffirms the critical role of the federal government in supporting inclusive and medically accurate sex education,” said Callie Simon, Executive Director of SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change. “At a time when people across the country face increasing barriers to accessing comprehensive information about their bodies, relationships, and rights, federal leadership is more important than ever. We applaud Rep. Williams for her continued commitment to ensuring every person, no matter who they are or where they live, has access to the sexual and reproductive health knowledge and services they need to lead healthy, empowered lives.”

As attacks on bodily autonomy and comprehensive sex education continue to rise, this legislation is a critical step towards Federal Government leadership in protecting access to accurate, inclusive sexual and reproductive health information and services. SIECUS applauds this leadership and remains committed to advancing policies that strengthen reproductive freedom, health equity, and inclusive, medically accurate sex education for all.

Other endorsing organizations include: AIDS United, the Black Maternal Health Federal Policy Collective, Black Women’s Health Imperative, Institute for Women’s Policy Research, and Reproductive Freedom for All.

Take Action: Contact Your Reps

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SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change has served as a leading national voice for sex education since 1964, asserting that sexuality is a fundamental part of being human, one worthy of dignity and respect. Through advocacy, policy, and coalition building, SIECUS advances sex education as a vehicle for social change—where all people receive sex education, are affirmed in their identities, and have the power to make decisions about their own health, pleasure, and wholeness.