Let’s not victimize women a second time

It’s good to see that the American Civil Liberties Union is challenging the Justice Department’s national medical protocol, which was distributed to state health departments in November. The protocol fails to advise hospitals to consider emergency contraception when treating rape victims, and the ACLU is asking for the release of records that might explain why.
In an e-mailed statement, the Justice Department said the protocol is intended to give victims as much control over the process as possible, “based upon the victim’s own preferences and beliefs.”
Of course, rape victims should base their decisions on their own beliefs. But the only way that victims can make decisions for themselves is if they are given all of their legal options. And until emergency contraception is outlawed, medical professionals have an obligation to tell victims that it exists and that it is an option.
The department went on to say that the protocol “recognizes that sexual assault victims of different ages, social, cultural and religious/spiritual backgrounds have varying options regarding treatment options.”
But the truth is that all rape victims — regardless of their age, social, cultural or religious background — have the legal option of emergency contraception. It’s about time that we figure out why the government doesn’t think they deserve to know about it.
Posted by Melissa Cooley

7 Comments

  1. Joe Williams
    Posted September 5, 2005 at 6:58 am | Permalink

    The morning after pill is available without perscription in many countries. I have no idea why we (the USA) are making it very difficult for women to obtain morning after pills.

  2. Damoon
    Posted September 5, 2005 at 10:47 am | Permalink

    Because it’s considered an abortive drug.

  3. Ian Santiago
    Posted September 5, 2005 at 1:37 pm | Permalink

    All rapists should be executed for their fisrt offence! Most of these animals are serial or repeat offenders, and yes I would execute ALL White rapists as well!

  4. Ed Friedemann
    Posted September 5, 2005 at 5:16 pm | Permalink

    So, if a girl crys rape, then the guy is dead? Does that work both ways?

  5. Ian Santiago
    Posted September 5, 2005 at 5:23 pm | Permalink

    I am talking about proof with DNA evidence of forcible rape!

  6. Anon
    Posted September 5, 2005 at 9:15 pm | Permalink

    DNA only proves intercourse. It does not prove rape.

  7. Dagett
    Posted September 6, 2005 at 8:31 am | Permalink

    “I have no idea why we (the USA) are making it very difficult for women to obtain morning after pills.”

    Joe….That’s what republicans do. They support less government, but want to dictate the most personal aspect of people’s lives, Welcome to YOUR party, Joe.