Support EC Access for Women in the Military Serving Overseas!

DATE:  May 16, 2007
TO:    Delegate Agencies, Board of Directors, Advocates and Staff
FROM:  Jody Leibman, Director of Public Policy
RE:    Support EC Access for Women in the Military Serving Overseas!

Call Your U.S. House Representative Today:  Urge them to Vote “YES” on an Amendment to Ensure Servicewomen Have Access to Emergency Contraception! 

This vote is taking place TOMORROW!

What the Amendment Does:

• Tomorrow, the U.S. House will consider an amendment to the Defense Authorization bill that would simply add Plan B® to the military’s Basic Core Formulary, the list of medications that must be stocked at every military health care facility.

• The amendment is sponsored by a bipartisan group of lawmakers-- Reps. Michael Michaud (D-ME), James Langevin (D-RI), Tim Ryan (D-OH), Jane Harman (D-CA), Chris Shays (R-CT), Susan Davis (D-CA), and Loretta Sanchez (D-CA)—and will be voted on tomorrow, May 17.

• Plan B® is currently available over-the-counter for adults in the U.S. – and by prescription for those under age 18.  Women serving their country overseas should have the same access to such a critical medication as their civilian counterparts; however, emergency contraception is not currently stocked at every military health care facility.

The Michaud amendment represents an important step in reducing unintended pregnancy.

CALL 202-224-3121 and ask for your Representative and urge him/her to vote YES on the Michaud amendment to ensure that servicewomen have access to emergency contraception.

For further information, visit www.nfprha.org, or contact Jody Leibman, Director of Public Policy, at leibmanj@cfhc.org or (213) 386-5614 ext. 4416.