It is "ludicrous" that Connecticut "apparently needs a state law to force hospitals to provide" rape survivors with access to emergency contraception because it would "seem like common sense to offer sexual assault victims the means to ensure that they do not become pregnant," a New York Times editorial says (New York Times, 2/4). Some women's advocates recently have called on the Connecticut Legislature to pass legislation (SB 685) that would require all hospitals to provide EC as part of rape examinations. According to Connecticut Sexual Assault Crisis Services, a group representing rape counselors, 40% of rape survivors in the state who were accompanied by counselors during examinations in the first six months of 2006 either were not offered EC -- which can prevent pregnancy if taken within 72 hours of sexual intercourse -- or were not given the full two doses of the drug. Laura Cordes, director of policy and advocacy for the group, said possible reasons that rape survivors did not receive EC include a lack of awareness among hospital workers that they could provide the pills and a reluctance to give patients the second dose of the drug, which must be taken 12 hours after the first dose when the patient has left the hospital. The Roman Catholic Church is opposed to EC because it prevents implantation, which the church "equate[s] with abortion," and Catholic hospitals in the state will dispense the drug only after the patient has undergone a test to determine she is not ovulating. Barry Feldman, spokesperson for the state's four Catholic hospitals, said the bill -- filed by state Sen. Mary Ann Handley (D) in December 2006 -- would violate a law that restricts the state interference with religious freedom. Although FDA in August 2006 approved EC for nonprescription sales to women ages 18 and older, Cordes said hospitals should still provide the drug to rape survivors in part because it is more effective when taken immediately. The state reimburses hospitals that provide EC as part of a rape exam, and women have to pay $40 to $60 to purchase EC from a pharmacy. Legislation similar to Handley's measure did not pass last year (Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 1/22). "As a matter of human dignity and compassion, those who endure an ugly and horrific crime should be able to expect complete medical care no matter what hospitals they turn to after being attacked," the editorial says, concluding, "The Public Health Committee has until mid-February to approve this year's bill. The committee, and then the General Assembly, should do so" (New York Times, 2/4).

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