The new legislative session is fast approaching (January 2022), so if we are going to get this bill passed next year it is crucial that we begin reaching out to the CT state legislature's Public Health Committee as well as local legislators now to ask for their support and push for a public hearing!

Everyone - CT resident or not - can help by sending a quick email to some of the contacts listed below!

Public Health Committee: phtestimony@cga.ct.gov

Representative Christine Conley (one of the bill's primary co-sponsors): Christine.Conley@cga.ct.gov

*For CT residents - find your local representative and senator here: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/cgafindleg.asp 

Below you can find some sample text for convenience, that you can edit as you like!:

Dear "Public Health Committee/Representative/Senator,"

My name is __________ and I am writing to express my support for HB 5067 and my hope that you will support legislation to ban unauthorized practice pelvic and rectal exams by medical students in Connecticut during the 2022 legislative session.

It is my understanding that last year HB 5067 was not given a public hearing. I ask that the bill be reintroduced in January, when the legislature reconvenes, and given a public hearing so that Connecticut residents may have the opportunity to voice their opinion and hear for themselves any arguments against the bill. I also ask that the bill be written to include accountability mechanisms for individuals found in violation once the law passes, reporting mechanisms for patients and healthcare professionals who witness this practice, and recourse mechanisms for patients who are victims of this practice going forward. 

Even when we seek care in teaching hospitals, patients have the right to decide for ourselves whether or not our bodies are used as teaching tools. Connecticut must follow the example of other states - including California, New York, Texas, and others that are home to large medical schools and health systems - in codifying that right in legislation and providing recourse for victims of exploitative teaching practices. 

Thank you,

__________

Thank you so much for all of your support thus far! It is helping to make a huge impact and generate a public conversation around this important issue - something that could not have happened without all of your signatures, your shares, your promotions, your encouragement, and every other form of support you have so generously shown!

Please keep an eye out for further updates, and comment below if you reach out! And let us know if you hear a response!

In love and solidarity,

Livia