I just finished reading yet another article about access to emergency contraceptive (Plan B) being denied, and I am furious.
Plan B is a progestin-only pill that is designed to prevent pregnancy in case of rape, condom breakage, and the like. Plan B is not meant to be used as birth control, nor does it protect against STDs. If unprotected sex occurs, be it rape or consensual, or if another form of contraceptive, such as a condom, fails, Plan B can be taken up to 72 hours after intercourse as a means to help prevent pregnancy. The sooner it is taken, the more effective it is. Essentially, Plan B is basically an extra large dose of the Pill, which usually works by telling a woman's body that it is already pregnant, which prevents a woman from ovulating. Plan B does not terminate a pregnancy. If you are already pregnant, Plan B has no effect.
Legally, Plan B can be dispensed to women 18 or older without a prescription. Younger women must see a doctor. Pharmacists who do not 'agree' with emergency contraceptive due to religious or moral beliefs can refuse to dispense Plan B on those grounds. Pharmacies are not required to have a pro-EC pharmacist on the clock at all times. This means that if a young woman is raped at two in the morning, and the pharmacist at her local Walgreens does not 'approve' of Plan B, she is just out of luck. I find this to be extremely fucked up. I believe that if you choose a career as a pharmacist, you better be capable of dispensing all necessary medication, whether you personally 'agree' with the purpose of said medications or not. I find it completely ridiculous that pharmacies can get away with this shit. If you must allow your pharmacists to refuse to dispense medications on misguided moral grounds, then for fuck's sake, at least keep someone who isn't so damn thickheaded and judgmental on staff at all times.
0 TrackBacks
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Emergency Contraceptive Is NOT An Abortifacient!.
TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.feministing.com/cgi-bin/movabletype/mt-tb.fcgi/8657
Weekly Feministing Newsletter
Feministing RSS Feed
I agree completely. I work as a receptionist in a women's health clinic and a lot of what I do is dispense EC. I think it is such a great option for women, especially considering how expensive a pregnancy is, whether it is terminated or continued. I just find it depressing that so many women are ignorant of the option. Just one note, though, EC can be taken up to five days following the intercourse. It is however most effective when taken within 72 hours.
Hella fuckin yeah!
After reading the 'Walmart...denying EC' story on here and talking about it at work (I
It's an approved over the counter medication, it's bullshit that some assholes won't dole it out when perscribed or even just asked for.
I completely agree- it makes absolutely no sense to deny ladies under 18 access to Plan B; their need is in no way diminished by their age.
But on a lighter note, being under 18 myself, I was able to purchase Plan B without a prescription over the counter in California, so perhaps this is a sign that things are changing. It's about time.
Man, that is fucked up. I honestly think I'd say something like, "Fine, but if I do get pregnant you personally, and the company you work for are paying for my healthcare, and all the expenses of the baby. Wanna risk it?"
Assholes.