Dose of good sense on birth control
Detroit Free Press
December 23, 2003 Emergency contraception is a simple, concentrated dose of birth control pills that is safe and effective for preventing pregnancy. However, emergency contraception is currently available only with a prescription, prohibiting too many women from obtaining it in a timely manner. Though effective for up to 120 hours after unprotected sex, emergency contraception is up to 95 percent effective when used within 24 hours. Increased access would prevent tens of thousands of unintended pregnancies and abortions nationwide. The American Medical Association supports making emergency contraception available over the counter, recognizing only medical benefits and no risks in doing so. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration can help to increase access and reduce the high number of unintended pregnancies by approving the proposal. Making emergency contraception available over the counter would give more women a last chance to avoid pregnancy. It's no substitute for ordinary contraception, but contraceptives and people are not foolproof. If anti-choice groups are serious about reducing the number of abortions, they should join us in ensuring that women are given every opportunity to avoid unintended pregnancies. Rebekah Warren
Executive Director
MARAL Pro-Choice Michigan
Lansing
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