Media Center: Press Release

PRCH doctors converge in Albany to express need for increased access to emergency contraception

New York, NY—Representing more than 6,600 members of Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health (PRCH), a coalition of doctors and medical students will join together at the State Capitol to urge Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno to bring the Unintended Pregnancy Prevention Act (S. 1576/S. 3661) to the floor. The physicians and future physicians implore the Senate to support these vital pieces of legislation, introduced by Senator Eric Schneiderman (D-31) and Senator Nicholas Spano (R-35) respectively.

The Unintended Pregnancy Prevention Act would make emergency contraception (EC) available directly from a pharmacist, without the obstacle of obtaining a physician’s prescription. PRCH Member Katharine O’Connell, MD, MPH said, "The efficacy and safety of EC is well-known throughout the medical community. It is time that we eased women’s access to this important contraceptive option."

EC works to prevent pregnancy within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse, contraceptive failure, or sexual assault. The sooner EC is taken the more effective it is, underscoring the need for this basic form of birth control to be easily accessible to all women. If passed, this legislation will help countless women avoid unintended pregnancy, particularly those living in rural areas of New York who must travel long distances to reach a physician, or those who cannot afford to see a doctor to obtain a prescription.

PRCH Member Daniel Summers, MD, said, "The widespread use of EC has long been hampered by misinformation, a lack of awareness and inaccessibility. The result has been countless preventable unintended pregnancies. Senator Bruno and his colleagues should pass the Unintended Pregnancy Prevention Act with pride, knowing that it is a smart, common-sense move to promote the reproductive health of the women of New York State."

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