Westchester NOW

The New York State Legislature passed a bill to require the provision of emergency contraceptives to sexual assault survivors treated at hospital emergency rooms. The bill will require hospitals to counsel survivors of sexual assault about EC and offer it on-site.

In June, the New York State Assembly passed EC for Rape Victims legislation by an overwhelming majority (144-2). The two members who voted against this legislation were Assemblymembers Hooker and Fitzpatrick. Several hours later, the New York State Senate passed the bill unanimously with a 61-0 vote.

The bill was passed in part due to grassroots advocacy efforts: calls, letters, faxes and emails. More than 75 organizations throughout New York including New York State NOW and chapters worked to ensure rape victims have access to EC in hospital emergency rooms.

Please take the time to call and thank your legislators for passing this vitally important legislation. The NYS Senate switchboard is 518-455-2800, and the NYS Assembly switchboard is 518-455-4100.

From Family Planning Advocates of New York

For more information about Westchester NOW, e-mail us at info@westchesternow.org!