NARAL Pro-Choice NH Cheers Approval of Emergency Contraception Legislation by New Hampshire House
Concord – Today, the New Hampshire House of Representatives approved legislation to allow pharmacy access for Emergency Contraception (EC). The bill, now on it’s way to the Governor’s desk for signing, will allow trained pharmacists to work with health care providers to dispense Emergency Contraception directly from the pharmacy without a prior office visit. Participation in the program is voluntary. Health care providers have used Emergency Contraception, also known as the Morning After Pill, since the 1970’s to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex, contraceptive failure, or sexual assault. EC does not cause abortion and should not be confused with RU-486, or the abortion pill. The FDA approved the drug for use by all women in the 1990’s and is currently considering allowing the drug to be sold over the counter. Liza Dube, Political Director for NARAL Pro-Choice NH, applauds the House decision, “When we began working on this legislation, we knew the message of putting prevention first would resonate with decision makers. Today’s victory proves that thoughtful compromise can lead to achieving the shared goal of reducing the need for abortion. We’re pleased to see legislators standing up for sensible women’s health policies that empower women instead of punishing them.” “We’re looking forward to the next steps, training pharmacists and providers, educating women about the pharmacy access option, and continuing the work of expanding access to reproductive heath care for New Hampshire women.” Dube concluded, “This is a real victory a long time coming, but it’s also just a single step – there’s a lot more work to be done.” In light of the Supreme Court’s decision on Monday to hear NH’s appeal of the 2003 parental notification law, Dube responded, “Today’s vote truly represents where New Hampshire stands on women’s reproductive health issues. We are a pro-choice state, and we understand that the key to reducing unintended pregnancies and abortion begins with better access to contraception.”
| 
