Senate Votes Unanimously to Pass Emergency Contraception Bill
Synopsis: Statement of Melissa Kogut after unanimous vote in Senate on Emergency Contraception Bill.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 16, 2005
STATEMENT OF MELISSA KOGUT, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF NARAL PRO-CHOICE MASSACHUSETTS “The Senate’s passage of the Emergency Contraception (EC) Bill is a major victory for the women and families of Massachusetts. To those who oppose abortion, I urge you to join with us in efforts to reduce unintended pregnancy in the Commonwealth by passing the Emergency Contraception Bill.
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 to rape survivors at all hospital emergency departments 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. Reducing the rate of unintended pregnancy and the need for abortion are important public health goals. This bill has broad public support and it’s time for the legislature to act. We call on members of the House to quickly pass this necessary legislation and for Governor Romney to sign it into law.”
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