Media Center: Press Release

“It is a sad day when public health decisions are made by politicians and not by medical professionals.”

New York, NY—In response to Governor George Pataki’s announced intentions to veto the Unintended Pregnancy Prevention Act (A.116/S.3661), Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health joined with other reproductive rights advocacy and medical groups and hundreds of activists at the Real Voices, Real Choices Rally for Emergency Contraception Access.

Below are the comments of Dr. Paula Castaño, an obstetrician/gynecologist specializing in family planning, and member of Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health, as delivered at the rally:

“I stand here today as a New Yorker and as a woman. But, most importantly, I am here as a doctor who understands the safety, efficacy and urgency of increased access to emergency contraception for women of all ages.

“As a physician, my job is to pay attention to the scientific facts and to provide my patients with the best healthcare possible. And these are the facts:

“Emergency contraception is not an abortion pill—it is a safe and effective means of preventing unintended pregnancy. With increased access to emergency contraception directly from a pharmacist, nurse practitioner, or midwife, the women of New York will be better equipped to make proactive and responsible choices regarding their reproductive health and the future of their families.

“Emergency contraception is just that: contraception that a woman uses in case of an emergency—a preventive measure that can and has helped many women.

“Governor Pataki has expressed concern that this bill does not protect young women. I would like to assure the Governor that I do not take the safety of my young patients lightly and I would not stand here in support of this legislation if there was any evidence that increased access to emergency contraception could prove detrimental to young women.

“In fact, six major scientific studies showed that adolescents use emergency contraception correctly and without an increase in risky behaviors. Two FDA advisory panels recognized the safety and efficacy of emergency contraception and recommended it for over-the-counter use without age restrictions. And the American Academy of Pediatrics states that all adolescents should have access to emergency contraception. Ignoring these recommendations could be medical malpractice!

“In my clinic I have seen young women with unintended pregnancies who could have benefited from emergency contraception. One of my young patients is pregnant as a result of a condom that broke during intercourse. The incident occurred on the Friday night of Presidents’ Day weekend. Because of the holiday and her school schedule, she couldn’t get to a doctor in time to ask for emergency contraception. If this form of contraception had been available through a pharmacist, she would have had timely access to this safe, effective preventive measure. Instead, she is facing an entirely different future.

“It is a sad day when public health decisions are made by politicians and not by medical professionals. Unfortunately, as the scientific evidence falls by the wayside, it is our state’s women—including our young women—who will suffer.”

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