Ellen Friedrichs

Ellen Friedrichs is a health educator and writer. She runs a middle and high school health education program, and teaches at Brooklyn College. She is the author of the book, Good Sexual Citizenship: How to Create a (Sexually) Safer World. Her writing has also appeared in the Washington Post, HuffPost, and Healthline.com. Find her on social media @ellenkatef.

Photo of mother and young teen daughter at the doctor's office talking to a nurse

4 Ways Parents Can Support Teens’ Reproductive Health

Ellen Friedrichs

Teens might not even know what reproductive health care they'll need. Our guide will help parents help their teens overcome the barriers in accessing care.

[Photo: A pharmacist scans a box of over the counter medicine.]

The COVID-19 Pandemic Exposes the Need for Over-the-Counter Birth Control

Ellen Friedrichs

“When you have to stay home, and as more resources are directed toward the public health crisis, requiring that prescription for birth control is a particularly challenging barrier at this time.”

[Photo: An illustration of a young woman of color looking at a white judge who is holding a gavel. In the background is an emblem that reads 'Florida.']

Why Florida’s Forced Parental Consent Law Will Hit Immigrant Families Hardest

Ellen Friedrichs

Florida’s new forced parental consent law is a reminder that abortion restrictions do the most damage to those who are the most disadvantaged.

[Photo: Two intrauterine coils on yellow background.]

Conservatives Say They Want to End Abortions. The ‘Gag Rule’ Will Do the Opposite.

Ellen Friedrichs

Abortion rates have been on the decline in the United States since the 1980s, due in large part to an increase in the use of long-acting reversible contraceptive methods, according to new research.

[Photo: A young, Black high school teacher stands in front of her class as she presents a lesson on reproductive rights and health.]

How to Talk to Young People About Abortion

Ellen Friedrichs

We need to teach young people of all genders about abortion. Here are three ways teachers, parents, and health-care providers can do that.

[Photo: A crowd of people of different ages, bodies, shades and genders hold signs as they gather during a pro-choice rally.]

Four Ways to Destigmatize Abortion in Everyday Conversations

Ellen Friedrichs

Amid a flood of anti-choice bans, we all have a responsibility to challenge the myths, misinformation, and stigma surrounding abortion.

[PHOTO: Hands holding a black and white sign saying

In Canada, Ontario Premier’s War on Sex Ed Sows Confusion and Sparks Protests

Ellen Friedrichs

The province's top leader says a 2015 curriculum's discussions about gender, sexuality, and internet safety were too much and too soon for younger students. Some parents and students disagree.

[Photo: A mother and daughter sit at a desk having a meeting with a teacher.]

Most Parents Want Comprehensive Sex Ed, But Protests Are Getting Louder

Ellen Friedrichs

New opposition claims sex ed curricula promote the "LGTBQ agenda" and pornography. But few parents have heeded calls to remove their children from sexuality instruction at school.

[Photo: A teacher kneels near a student to help them]

Five Ways Adults Can Help Support LGBTQ Youth

Ellen Friedrichs

Although plenty of LGBTQ adults are feeling the same unease, things are simply different when you are a politically disenfranchised minor.

[Photo: A protestor holds a sign that reads

The ‘62 Days’ Filmmaker on the Laws That Can Turn a Brain-Dead Pregnant Person Into an ‘Incubator’

Ellen Friedrichs

In advance of 62 Days' April 15 premier on World Channel's Reel South, Rewire.News spoke with the filmmaker about Marlise Muñoz's case and the impact of pregnancy exclusion laws.

Ellen Friedrichs

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