House passes bill to give free contraceptives to rape victims (Oregon)

[LauraK]

SALEM - In a rare show of bipartisanship, the House passed a bill Friday to provide rape victims emergency contraceptives at no cost.

Senate Bill 752 was expected to create waves in the Republican-controlled House, which has pushed a series of anti-abortion bills. Instead, Republicans and Democrats joined to pass the measure 49-4.

"Elements in this bill support women in the most critical time from an attack that is beyond belief," said Rep. Vicki Berger, R- Salem.

Rep. Max Williams, R-Tigard, said all hospitals in the state have the emergency contraceptives on hand, should a rape victim ask for them. The bill would simply relieve the victim from the added burden of paying, he said.

The contraceptive is commonly known as the "morning-after pill," a high dose of a birth control pill that women can take up to three days after intercourse. The high dose makes egg fertilization less likely. ..

With Friday's passage, the bill now goes back to the Senate, which will likely approve the emergency contraceptive amendment.

More here

[KCDem]

1. That's a great thing to hear!

It's nice that so few voted against it. It's such a small additional burden to taxpayers and will help women out in what is a horrific time of their life.

[Nambe]

2. This will make women more comfortable making the decision.

So many rape victims have a very difficult time making decisions after a rape. Knowing that this option is offered by the state will make it a more conscionable choice. A proud moment for our broke state!

[maxanne]

3. good for Oregon

this sure is going to piss Ashcroft off even more.

[RaRa]

4. Well, I take small comfort in that

I've always found it offensive that many who oppose abortion are "ok" with it in cases of rape. While I'm strongly pro-choice, I respect those who are against it in all cases. Why? Because if you're against it for "killing" fine. But damn it, if you differenciate between rape and non-rape you're saying that it all depends on whether the women "enjoyed it". I find that disgusting and as a woman really offensive. Face it; you've got to chose a side; unborn or woman.

[Skittles]

5. I absolutely agree

I have much more respect for those who are against all abortions than those phonies who like to make those "exceptions".

[Mushroom]

6. hmmm

"Rep. Max Williams, R-Tigard, said all hospitals in the state have the emergency contraceptives on hand, should a rape victim ask for them."

I hope she will be made aware that the EC is available to her.

Oh lookie here:

"Rep. Greg Smith, R-Heppner, one of four Republicans voting against the bill, said it indirectly condoned abortion.

"I didn't want to see one crime compounded with another," said Rep. Greg Smith, R-Heppner. "Abortion is a crime.""

Oh really. Say whatever you want buddy -- your president lied and men, women, and children died.

[Ilsa]

7. As a recovered rape victim,

I can assure you it is better than nothing. But I disagree with the burden placed upon the victim that she must ask for them, as opposed to being offered them without asking. The brain doesn't think very clearly at all after such physical and psychological trauma. I lost about half of my vocabulary for a day or so; I could barely construct a complete sentence, much less ask for the morning-after-pill.