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Speeches
February 24, 2003
Thank you for the opportunity to speak before you today about this important issue. I am here to express my support for Intros 278-A, 281-A and 285-A, three bills that will improve the health of New York City women and prevent many unwanted pregnancies.
Choosing when to have children is one of the most important decisions a woman can make for herself and her future family. Yet every year almost half of the pregnancies in America are unwanted, and more than half of those end in abortion.
Emergency contraception, or EC, is a safe tool for women and health professionals in the battle against unwanted pregnancy. EC is not an abortion. EC prevents pregnancy. Studies have shown that EC has no effect on an already established pregnancy.
For many years, reproductive rights advocates have observed that few women in the United States know about EC. In a year 2000 survey, only half the women of child-bearing age were aware there was something they could do after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. Many of the women who were aware of EC did not know the product was available in the United States.
Today, we are here with hopes of remedying a related problem. In New York City, even women who know about and want EC, come up against too many barriers.
After the devastation of rape, a woman should not have to face the further trauma of unwanted pregnancy. A 1999 study by NARAL New York found that 57% of the 58 hospitals in New York City do not provide adequate health care to rape survivors, including offering them EC. Intro 281-A will require the City to contract with or provide funding to only the hospitals and medical facilities that inform rape victims of the availability of EC and administer the drug if requested.
EC should be available wherever a woman turns for help with unwanted pregnancy. Intro 285-A will require the Department of Health make EC available at its centers, clinics and other facilities.
Finally, even after a woman has a prescription for EC, she may face obstacles in her corner drugstore. According to an investigation by the Committee on Oversight and Investigations, only 55% of New York pharmacies carry EC. We must work to expand availability of EC and Intro 278-A takes the first step by requiring pharmacies to post signs regarding the sale of EC.
I am proud to support all three bills. I pledge to work with the bills’ sponsors and reproductive rights advocates to expand the availability of emergency contraception to all women who need and want this vital healthcare service.
Thank you.
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