FL Republican Legislature blocks bill to make it easier for women to obtain emergency contraception

[seafan]

As the curtain falls at the end of today on this year's edition of Republican tyranny over our Legislature....


'Morning after pill' bill faltering

AP
May 02, 2008

TALLAHASSEE - The Legislature is set to end its annual session without passing a bill that would make it easier for women - particularly rape victims - to get emergency contraception.
The "morning after" pill, which can prevent pregnancy by preventing ovulation, but doesn't destroy an already fertilized egg, is legal. But advocates say rape victims aren't always told that the drug exists or aren't offered it.

Some women who go to pharmacies looking for the drug - whatever their reason for wanting it - are sometimes told the pharmacy simply doesn't have the drug, or won't give it out, advocates for the legislation said.

A bill (HB 385) to require that all health facilities that treat rape victims provide them with information about the morning after pill never made it out of committee. The bill also would have prohibited pharmacy employees from intimidating women who are seeking the drug, or trying to talk them out of obtaining it.
Opponents said doctors - not lawmakers - should decide what drugs rape victims are offered on a case by case basis. Hospital officials also questioned whether there was a problem with women getting access to the drugs.

The *catch* in the nice statement above from the opponents, saying 'doctors, and not legislators should decide what's right for each woman on a case by case basis'.... Hold on a minute!


---->Plan B was approved by the FDA in 2006 for nonprescription use by women 18 and older. PDF


----> The opponents don't want people to know that Plan B Emergency Contraception is approved for non-prescription use in women 18 and older (prescription only for 17 and under). So, the 'case by case basis' is a false argument which is meant only to deceive women who are 18 and older, to make them think they must first pay for a physician visit before obtaining this drug.




There should be a ban on right wing extremist Republicans holding positions of political power in Florida. It should be a priority of the voters, not only in this state, but across the country.

And until the nearly extinct Republican moderates can identify themselves through deeds and not words, all of them should be driven out of office.

[LisaM]

1. Men, deciding what women should do with their bodies

So much for equality. For those of you who think that sexism no longer exists, this should be a wake up call. Sexism is alive and well.

[sakabatou]

2. It's the pro-life, anti-women group again...

[LeftinOH]

3. They could call it the 'rapist rights' bill..............n/t

[depakid]

4. When Roe and Griswold are overturned

does anyone doubt that certain southern and lower midwestern states will ban contraception all together?

I don't.

[MountainLaurel]

5. Nope

Although I'd add some of the upper Midwestern states as well as some of the western states such as Arizona.