 |
Our
Successes |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Compassionate Care for Rape Victims Signed into Law |
Planned Parenthood’s 2007 legislative agenda
included passing a bill which would require all
publicly funded hospitals in Connecticut provide
emergency contraception to victims of rape. WE WON!
An Act Concerning Compassionate Care for Victims of
Sexual Assault (SB 1343), was successfully voted out
of the Senate by a 32-3 vote on Wednesday, April 25
2007 as hundreds of supporters voiced their support
during Lobby Day. On May 2, 2007 the House also
voted (113-36) favorably for the bill and Governor
Rell signed the bill into law on May 16, 2007. The
women and girls of Connecticut are now guaranteed a
compassionate and consistent standard of care at all
Connecticut hospitals when seeking treatment after a
sexual assault.
See how your Representative
voted
See how your Senator voted
Compassionate care for rape victims includes access
to emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy as a
standard of medical care. The welfare and needs of a
patient must be at the center of medical
decision-making and treatment. When a rape victim
seeks treatment in a hospital emergency room she
must be able to make treatment decisions based on
accurate medical information and their own ethical
or religious beliefs.
Emergency contraception (EC) is a contraceptive
method intended for use after contraceptive failure,
unprotected sex, or sexual assault. It is most
effective in pregnancy prevention if taken within
the first 24 hours.
Why is a law necessary? Because according to the
Connecticut Sexual Assault Crisis Services
(CONNSACS) report, during the first six months of
2006, 40% of female rape victims over the age of 12
were not offered or did not receive the full dose of
emergency contraception at the hospital they
received medical treatment from. This important bill
will allow women to get the treatment they need at
any hospital in Connecticut.
Learn about the legislation which requires hospital
emergency rooms provide access to emergency
contraception.
Visit the
Planned Parenthood of Connecticut Website
Visit the Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Action Fund Site
|
|
