Introduced by Rep. Steven Rothman (D-NJ)

What it is
Why you should support it
Bill status
Take action
Sources

What it is>>

The Compassionate Assistance for Rape Emergencies Act will ensure that all hospitals receiving federal funding through Medicare or Medicaid provide sexual assault victims with emergency contraception. A hospital will be required to promptly provide women with medically and factually accurate and unbiased written and oral information about emergency contraception, including information explaining that:

• emergency contraception has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration as an over-the-counter medication for women ages 18 and over and is a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure if taken in a timely manner;

• emergency contraception is more effective the sooner it is taken; and

• emergency contraception does not cause an abortion and cannot interrupt an established pregnancy.

Why you should support it>>

One out of every 6 women in the United States will become a victim of rape or sexual assault in their lifetime and it is estimated that today 12,700,000 American women are survivors of these violent crimes.  Medical care for women should include the option of using emergency contraception to ensure that a pregnancy does not result from the rape.  In 2006, it is estimated that approximately 7,216 rape-related pregnancies occurred with approximately one-third of women of reproductive age remain unaware that emergency contraception is an option for them to use within the first 72 hours.   At this point, no requirement exists to ensure that women are made aware of this option - and rather more efforts are underway to enable hospitals to withhold this information and service.

On December 19, 2008, the Department of Health and Human Services instituted a final rule that expanded the ability of federally funded health care providers or employees to refuse to provide services, including emergency contraception. This rule, which had the potential to jeopardize women's access to emergency contraception, is in the process of being rescinded. The rescission of this rule is in line with the American public, where one poll shows that nearly 80 percent of American women want their hospitals, whether or not religiously affiliated, to offer emergency contraception to rape survivors.

Bill status>>

This bill was introduced in the House on February 26, 2009, by Rep. Steven Rothman (D-NJ) and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means. Learn more by seeing the full text of the bill and a complete list of cosponsors.

Take action>>

Right now, we need to build strong bipartisan support for this legislation in the House. Help ensure that all victims of sexual violence have access to critical health information and services.

Contact your Representative today and ask her or him to co-sponsor the Compassionate Assistance for Rape Emergencies Act (H.R. 1236).

Find your Representative's contact information.

People never get enough thanks!  Take a moment to thank Rep. Rothman for his leadership on this important issue. 

Sources>>

Religion, Reproductive Health and Access to Services: A National Survey of Women

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