Joint Public Health Committee Gives EC Bill Favorable Recommendation
Synopsis:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 1, 2005
Statement of Melissa Kogut on Favorable Report of Emergency Contraception Bill By Joint Committee on Public Health
“We are delighted that the Joint Committee on Public Health has given the Emergency Contraception (EC) Bill a favorable report today. This brings us one step closer to a state law that will improve access to this important contraceptive option with untapped potential to reduce unintended pregnancy. We anticipate swift passage of the EC Bill in both the Senate and the House.
By enabling pharmacists to dispense EC – also known as the morning-after pill – this bill will allow more women to access EC in the early hours after unprotected intercourse when it’s most effective. And making EC available at all hospital emergency departments to women who have been raped is long overdue. All women are entitled to this standard of care and we are pleased to be part of the effort to make it a reality.
Better access to EC means fewer unintended pregnancies and therefore, fewer abortions. As we at NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts work to promote the American values of freedom and responsibility, reducing the rate of unintended pregnancy and the need for abortion is an important public health goal. The bill has broad public support and it’s time for the legislature to act. We call on members of the Senate and House to quickly pass this necessary legislation and for Governor Romney to sign it into law.”
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