This, my friends, is my first diary. I have been a lurker for more than 2 years, but have decided on this cold, sunny morning to take the plunge. Please be gentle.
I am modivated to write this morning because of an amazing editorial in our local newspaper, the Courier-Journal. Along with dozens of Planned Parenthood affiliates across the country, our local affiliate offered free Emergency Contraception (EC) this past Wednesday, December 6.
Planned Parenthood sponsored this event to raise awareness of the availability of EC at our clinics and to encourage women to have EC on hand in case the condom breaks, they miss two or more birth control pills or have unprotected sex. Jump below the fold for some scary statistics, link to the editorial and info about what Planned Parenthood is doing to help women with their reproductive health.
It is a crime that access to medically accurate information and birth control is under siege in this country. We MUST support women in their desire to prevent unintended pregnancy. To that end, Planned Parenthood affiliates offered free EC, also known as "The Morning After Pill", for one day this week. At our affiliate we had 100 women take advantage of this offer. The women ranged in age from 16-48, 50% were between the ages of 20 & 27, and 26% were over 30. Women with newborns, women with toddlers, couples, college students, we saw a diverse population of women being responsible by being prepared.
Contrary to the crap from the "Pro-Life" side, EC is nothing more than a mega-dose of birth control pills. It can prevent pregnancy if taken within 120 hours of unprotected sex, but the sooner the better. When taken within 24 hours it reduces the risk of pregnancy by up to 95%. Because of the time sensitive nature of the drug, access is critical. However, particularly in the state of the Kentucky, access is a nightmare.
Based on a 2005 survey by the ACLU of Kentucky Reproductive Freedom Project, only 13% of pharmacies surveyed in Kentucky had EC in stock and ordering it can take 24 hours to a week. They also found that 38% of the pharmacies refused to fill a presciption for EC. Concerned groups in Kentucky are working together and trying to get the message out to women about their rights and where they can go to get the resources they need for their reproductive health. There is now a website (still under construction), www.911birthcontrol.
As most folks know, as of November and after a long, ridiculous political battle at the FDA, EC can be sold over the counter to women 18 years or older. However, if pharmacies refuse to stock it that does women no good.
I've probably rambled on too long now. In summary here is the link to today's editorial "Reducing need for abortions". This is my favorite part:
Planned Parenthood is showing that its core mission is to prevent unintended pregnancy. It is doing everything it can to reduce the need for abortion. That's more than a lot of anti-abortion groups can say.
I couldn't have said it better, and hopefully through organizations like Planned Parenthood the word will continue to get out there.