While Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy recently told the Alaska Legislature that he wants to make Alaska the “most pro-life state in the country,” his subordinates over at the Alaska Department of Health are undermining this vision by promoting a radical LGBTQ organization that refers teens for abortions on the Kenai Peninsula.

In an effort to increase the number of youth – ages 12 to 18 – who are referred to the Kachemak Bay Family Planning Clinic (KBFPC) in Homer, the state website has a direct link to the organization’s youth outreach arm – the R.E.C. Room.

The Department of Health’s stated goal is to “increase the likelihood of youth who practice abstinence or choose to use contraception and/or condoms during sexual activity,” and to “increase youth knowledge of how emotional awareness affects decision making.”

But the KBFPC is about much more than teaching abstinence or how to roll on a condom.

According to the group’s website, it aims to address the “developmental needs of adolescents … by offering a supportive and empowering environment.”

That environment includes access to free contraceptives, abortion referrals, exposure to queer art, critical race theory, transgender speakers, LGBTQ themed movies and games, and an introduction to teens LGBTQ activism and political ideology.

Established in 2010, the R.E.C. Room is based in Homer to provide an afterschool hangout space for teens. Staff will even pick youth up at Homer High and Homer Middle schools and shuttle them directly to the youth center, with parental permission.

Teens who then demonstrate leadership qualities are hired and trained to teach explicit sex-ed curriculum to fellow students in the Kenai School District, the website notes.

In addition to attracting teens by providing a hangout space, the R.E.C. Room actively directs youth back to its founding organization, the Kachemak Bay Family Planning Clinic, for information and access to contraception, abortion and STD testing.

The KBFPC website highlights the fact that they provide services without telling a child’s parents.

“At this health center, you have the right to talk to your provider alone, without your parent or guardian in the room,” the clinic website explains, adding that “all forms of contraception are available without the permission of a parent/guardian.” This includes the morning after Plan B abortion pill.

For teens who are concerned about their parents finding out that they are accessing free condoms or other services at the clinic, the website coaches youth to talk to insurance providers if they are “especially concerned about confidential care.”

“KBFPC takes the privacy of all our clients very seriously, and that includes teens seeking care with or without parental involvement,” the website adds. “While it can be helpful to have a trusted adult in your life, and we may ask about your ability to share certain things with a parent or guardian, you do not need permission to receive care at KBFPC. Our staff will discuss your concerns and make sure you understand how your information is protected or might be shared, with your consent. In Alaska, all adolescents have the right to confidential sexual and reproductive health care.”

TAKING ACTION

— To contact Alaska Commissioner of Health Heidi Hedberg, call 907-269-7800 or click here for more options.  

— Click here to contact Gov. Mike Dunleavy.

Click here to support Alaska Watchman reporting.