Progressive Democrat Issue 35: NYC FOCUS

Ongoing action from Democracy for NYC.

Emergency Contraception -Call Pataki

Under heavy pressure from the Senate Democrats and pro-choice organizations, the Republican leadership of the New York State Senate allowed a vote last week on a bill to expand access to emergency contraception (EC). The bill passed by a vote of 34 to 27. The Assembly passed the bill in January, but the Senate Republicans had resisted voting on their bill in their house until last week.

The bill allows pharmacists to dispense EC from behind the counter without a patient-specific prescription. This will save women from having to wait to get a doctors appointment, and improve the chances of preventing unintended pregnancies.

EC is most effective when taken within 24 hours. State action was required because the FDA has blocked over-the-counter status for EC, despite the recommendations of two expert advisory panels saying that EC is safe and effective and should be available over the counter. “It’s the political fix in Washington that is forcing the state of New York to act because the federal government has abandoned the field,” State Senator Schneiderman said. “I am proud that in the absence of federal action, New York State is leading the way and preventing thousands unintended pregnancies in our state.

Opponents of the bill ignore science by claiming that EC induces abortion, which it does not. The New York State Catholic Conference already has vowed to prevent the bill from becoming law by mobilizing its state-wide network to contact the Governor to veto the bill.

Call or write Governor Pataki TODAY and tell him to sign the Unplanned Pregnancy Prevention Act!

Governor George E. Pataki
The Executive Chamber
State Capitol
Albany, NY 12224
Phone: 518-474-8390

Or visit this website to send the governor an email.

Tell him to do the right thing and sign this legislation. Tell him New York women and men strongly support this legislation, which will prevent thousands of unwanted pregnancies. EC is safe and effective and should be available without a prescription.