Governor Benson Vetoes Bill, Denying Women Expanded Access to Emergency Contraception.
CONCORD – Today Governor Benson vetoed SB 484, a bill that would have established a collaborative practice for Emergency Contraception (EC). By vetoing the bill, Governor Benson denied women expanded access to a contraceptive method that could dramatically reduce the number of unintended pregnancies and abortions in the state. NARAL Pro-Choice New Hampshire Executive Director Laura Thibault was disheartened by the veto, “Governor Benson is showing his true colors by denying New Hampshire women expanded access to a safe and effective contraceptive option. His failure to support the legislature’s efforts to reduce unintended pregnancy and abortion make clear his alignment with New Hampshire’s extreme anti-choice minority, who oppose contraception.” “Governor Benson’s fears that this bill would have pre-empted parental rights are unfounded. Young women in New Hampshire can already obtain a prescription for EC and there is absolutely no scientific or medical basis for denying young women access to contraception. In fact, given the high rates of unintended pregnancy among young women, expanded access to emergency contraception is critical to improving teen health.” Thibault added. The collaborative practice would have enabled trained pharmacists to voluntarily partner with licensed prescribers to dispense EC directly from the pharmacy. In 1997, Washington State became the first state to adopt a collaborative practice program for EC, and in the first ten months, over seven thousand women obtained EC. In the wake of Washington State’s success, five other states, including Maine have adopted similar programs. Used since the 1970’s, EC utilizes the same hormones found in ordinary birth control pills to keep an egg from being released, fertilized, or implanted in a woman’s uterus. EC is currently available with a prescription and can be taken in the case of contraceptive failure, unprotected sex, or sexual assault to prevent unintended pregnancy. EC should not be confused with RU-486 or mifepristone, an early abortion option.
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