Gopal demands ongoing funding for women's health care centers

A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed an increase in gonorrhea, syphilis and chlamydia over the last several years.

“These statistics are absolutely staggering. With the frequency of STDs increasing at such an astronomical rate here in New Jersey, where funding for family planning services was gutted in the previous administration, it is critical that we continue our efforts to support vital health care facilities,” Gopal said in a statement.

Data from the CDC stated that cases of gonorrhea climbed 15.6 percent from 2016 to 2017, with a 34.6 percent increase from 2013 to 2017 while cases of syphilis increased 15.2 percent from 2016 to 2017 and 92.8 percent from 2013 to 2017. Cases of chlamydia rose 2 percent from 2016 to 2017, with a 24.4 percent jump from 2013 to 2017.

Gopal worked with the Murphy administration to restore $7.5 million in funding to Planned Parenthood that had been slashed under former Gov. Chris Christie's administration.

“Facilities like Planned Parenthood provide a truly vital health service for our residents and are instrumental in the fight against STDs. If we wish to get New Jersey’s skyrocketing STD rates under control, we need to support Planned Parenthood and similar facilities in treating and protecting individuals from disease,” Gopal said.

According to the Senator, the CDC estimates that more than 100 million Americans have an STD with approximately 20 million new cases reported each year, and half affecting people between ages 15 and 24.

“Proper medical care should not be designated for the privileged few. Countless residents rely on Planned Parenthood for care. We must work tirelessly to ensure access to that vital care.” Copyright 2018 BridgeTower Media. All Rights Reserved.

CREDIT: Anthony Vecchione