We Still Need the CARE Act! On August 24, 2006, Barr Pharmaceuticals announced the FDA's approval for over-the-counter sales of emergency contraceptive, Plan B. This medication will be available behind the counter in pharmacies nationwide to individuals age 18 and over by the end of the year. Young women 17 years old and younger will require a prescription from their doctor. While emergency contraception (EC) will soon be available to all women over 18 years old in pharmacies over-the-counter, rape victims should still receive comprehensive medical care when they seek treatment in an emergency room. The FDA's approval of Plan B for over-the-counter status reminds us that emergency contraception is a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy. Here are some reasons why Pennsylvanian still needs the Compassionate Assistance for Rape Emergencies (CARE) Act: - Comprehensive medical care includes the option to take emergency contraception, regardless of whether that medication is available by prescription or over-the-counter.
- 84% of Pennsylvanians are in support of requiring hospitals to offer EC to rape victims in emergency rooms.
- No one should have to drive anywhere to seek out EC following a traumatic rape, a forensic rape exam, police questioning, a physical exam, and arguably the worst night of her life.
- One in four females will be sexually assaulted by the age of 18. EC will not be available over-the-counter to rape victims under the age of 18, making a visit to the emergency room a crucial space for her get EC and prevent a pregnancy.
Visit www.pacare.org for more information.
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