alonzomourning23
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Now if only every state did this
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2005/06/16/senate_approves_emergency_contraception_bill/
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2005/06/16/senate_approves_emergency_contraception_bill/
BOSTON --Hospital emergency rooms would be required to provide emergency contraception to rape victims under a bill unanimously approved by the Massachusetts Senate on Thursday
Emergency contraception stops pregnancy by preventing ovulation, blocking the egg from being fertilized by sperm, or stopping a fertilized egg from attaching itself to the uterus wall.
It is most effective taken within 72 hours of intercourse and is different from RU-486, which aborts a fertilized egg.
The legislation would also allow women to get the pills from pharmacists without a doctor's prescription.
The Senate spent much of the debate weighing amendments that would have exempted hospital employees, including doctors and nurses, who are opposed to contraception on religious or moral grounds from participating in the dispensing of the medication.
The amendments were rejected.
The 37-0 vote virtually guarantees the bill can withstand a gubernatorial veto in the Senate, which approved a similar bill on a voice vote last year.
A spokesman for Gov. Mitt Romney said Romney had no opinion on the bill, though he acknowledged Romney had indicated during his 2002 gubernatorial campaign that he supported wider access to emergency contraception.
"We are looking at the bill but we won't have an opinion until we get all the information we need," said Romney spokesman Eric Fehrnstrom.
The bill now heads to the House.![]()