An Open Letter About Emergency Contraception

As Bush and cronies attempt to erode a woman's right to choose, I thought this was a timely and important message. Though an FDA advisory committee has recommended making emergency contraception available over the counter, the FDA itself is delaying approval once again. Emergency Contraception over the counter is necessary so that women who've had unprotected sex would have ready access to a postcoital method that prevents pregnancy 89 percent of the time. What surprises me, but shouldn't, is that though emergency contraception prevents about 51,000 abortions a year (because it prevents the pregnancies themselves), the Right and the anti-choice groups are against it. Therefore, this isn't about the right to choose any more, really. It's about women's rights to control their bodies and their destinies. Oh, wait, that is what the right to choose is all about. It's clear that we must continue to speak out about our rights. Because first it's abortion, then it's emergency contraception... who knows, The Pill may be under attack next. No, I'm not trying to instill fear. But this president and his appointees are consistently being sneaking and underhanded in eroding all of our rights. We need to pay attention and continue to speak out.

Note: the facts/info I cite above are from this article by Katha Pollitt in The Nation.