Senate Defeats Bill to Limit Access to Emergency Contraception
Concord, NH – Today the New Hampshire Senate voted 14-10 to defeat Senate Bill 343, a bill that would require parental consent for women under age 18 seeking access to emergency contraception, and that would allow pharmacists to refuse to fill valid prescriptions for emergency contraception based on moral or religious objections. Pharmacists who do not comply with the parental consent provision would face misdemeanor charges. Women’s health advocates including NARAL Pro-Choice NH, along with the New Hampshire Pharmacists Association and the New Hampshire Medical Society opposed the bill. Statement of Liza Dube, Political Director, NARAL Pro-Choice New Hampshire “We are alarmed by the number of recent attacks on women’s access to contraception in New Hampshire. What is accomplished by forcing women into unintended pregnancies by restricting access to contraception?” “People with the best interest of New Hampshire’s women at heart will continue to oppose any legislation that attempts to restrict access to basic health care like pregnancy prevention. We’re pleased to see the Senate put the health and safety of New Hampshire women first.” “And, if - for whatever reason - our daughters can’t or won’t come to us, it’s important to make sure they get access to safe forms of birth control, including EC, if they need it.”
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