Statement on Final Passage of EC Bill
Synopsis: Statement following Senate and House vote to override the Governor's Veto of Emergency Contraception Bill.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 15, 2005
STATEMENT OF NARAL PRO-CHOICE MASSACHUSETTS, ON OVERRIDE OF GOVERNOR’S VETO OF EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION BILL
“We are absolutely thrilled that the Massachusetts legislature has had the final word this afternoon, ensuring that women in the Commonwealth will now have improved access to emergency contraception (EC).
Today’s overwhelming vote of support for improved access to EC underscores just how out of step Governor Romney is with the people of Massachusetts.
We can be proud that Massachusetts – one of eight states to pass EC pharmacy access legislation – is leading the way to ensure that women who have been raped will have access to EC at any emergency department she goes to and that more women will have access to EC in the early hours after unprotected intercourse when it’s most effective.
And, while the FDA has put politics before science by indefinitely delaying a decision to make EC available over-the-counter, the Massachusetts legislature has made women’s health a priority.
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.”
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