Emergency Contraception

There have been increasing reports of pharmacists and pharmacies refusing to fill women’s prescriptions for birth control, including emergency contraception (the “morning-after pill” or EC).  These refusals are based on personal beliefs, not on legitimate medical or professional concerns.  The same pharmacists who refuse to dispense contraceptives often refuse to transfer a woman’s prescription to another pharmacist or to refer her to another pharmacy.  These refusals can have devastating consequences for women’s health.

During debate on the Continuing Resolution for fiscal year 2011, the House adopted an amendment offered by Representative Mike Pence (R-IN) that would take all federal funds away from Planned Parenthood clinics. This targeted amendment puts the health of millions of low and middle-income women at risk by eliminating their primary source of preventive health care and family planning services. Not only would this amendment eliminate the provision of cancer screenings and other vital health services for women, but it represents a direct attack by Members of Congress on women’s ability to control their own reproductive health.