New Legislation Could Provide Emergency Contraception for Rape Victims
An important new bill has hit the Senate floor.
Yesterday, a group of democratic senators introduced a landmark bill that, if approved, would require all federally funded hospitals to provide emergency contraception to rape victims. Titled "The Emergency Contraception Access and Education Act," this legislation targets hospitals with Medicare funding, and covers all FDA-approved emergency contraceptives, but does not apply to already-established pregnancies. It would also require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide information regarding this emergency contraception to pharmacists and other health care providers—in turn, spreading the knowledge that these options are available for victims to a greater audience. (The political obstacles for obtaining contraception and a lack of widespread education about available options—particularly in hotbed states—are closely intertwined, for both victims of sexual assault and the general public.)
Related: A Day in Her Life: Going to Class with Rape Victim and Mattress Performance Artist Emma Sulkowicz
This bill hits the floor at a time when the conversation surrounding both sexual abuse and the right to contraception is churning more furiously than ever. But in the same vein, the senators behind the act also recognize the political challenges ahead. "As we saw in the aftermath of the Hobby Lobby decision, and as we've seen in state legislatures across the country, Republicans are intent on standing in the way of women and their ability to make their own decisions about their own bodies and their own health care," Washington Senator Patty Murray told Time in a statement. "This means, now more than ever, it is our job to protect these kinds of decisions for women, their families, and particularly for survivors of sexual assault. Emergency contraception is a critical part of these family planning choices and it's time Republicans join us in supporting this safe and responsible means of preventing unintended pregnancies."
Related: 10 Medical Reasons Why a Woman Might Be Prescribed Birth Control
Less than two months out from midterm elections, the timing couldn't be more crucial, and Democrats know this—in wake of decisions like Hobby Lobby, both parties are aiming to use the contraception debate to draw female voters to the polls. It's further proof that it is essential that women recognize that with their reproductive rights at stake, voting—in addition to continuing the conversation—is crucial.
Related:
Colleges and Sexual Assault: 5 Things to Know
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Sexual Assault Survivors Speak Out About Campus Rape
Via
Victoria Hoff is the associate editor at ELLE.com, covering everything from fashion to beauty to wellness. She first joined the team as the editorial assistant in 2013. When she isn't working, she spends her days in Brooklyn eating (vegan) tacos, yoga-ing, and curating her collections of healing crystals and mom jeans.
-
Travis Kelce Made a Sweet Slip-Up on His Podcast That Shows Taylor Swift Is Always on His Mind
Fans are gushing about the romantic Freudian slip.
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
Joe Alwyn Had a Flirty Red Carpet Moment with British Comedian and Presenter Amelia Dimoldenberg
He joked that they were "kindred spirits" during a bit of interview banter.
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
Taylor Swift Fans Are Melting Down Trying to Decipher a Hand Gesture She Made at the Latest Eras Tour Stop
"I mean she wouldn’t just countdown to the last show cause it’s the last show…right? Something special has to happen………. right???"
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
Cory Booker and Rosario Dawson's Relationship Is No More
After three years of dating, the power couple have decided they're better off as friends.
By Marie Claire Editors Published
-
Education for Women and Girls Is Crucial for Climate Justice
In an excerpt from her new book, 'A Bigger Picture,' Ugandan climate activist Vanessa Nakate discusses the impact educated African women and girls can have on solving the climate crisis.
By Vanessa Nakate Published
-
Kamala Harris Husband, Douglas Emhoff, Is Her Number One Fan
Douglas Emhoff is the unofficial president of the #TeamKamala fan club.
By Ineye Komonibo Published
-
What's at Stake for Education in the 2020 Election
A voter's guide.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
Where Kamala Harris Stands on Education
She and Joe Biden once publicly disagreed on the subject.
By Bianca Rodriguez Published
-
Kamala Harris and Joe Biden's Son Beau Were Close Political Allies and Friends
Joe Biden has said that one reason he picked Kamala Harris as VP is that son Beau Biden respected and liked her; Beau worked with Kamala as attorney general.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
So, Is Andrew Cuomo Single or What?
New Your governor Andrew Cuomo, once married to Kerry Kennedy, broke up with Sandra Lee in 2019 after more than a decade together.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
Who Is Kerry Kennedy, Andrew Cuomo's Ex-Wife and a Prominent Activist?
Activist Kerry Kennedy, whose full name is Mary Kerry Kennedy, was married to New York governor Andrew Cuomo between 1990 and 2005.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published