Next week, hundreds of pro-choice Ohioans will descend on the Ohio Statehouse to talk to their lawmakers about the Ohio Prevention First Act. One part of the legislation requires hospital emergency rooms to provide Emergency Contraception to women who request it, including rape victims. There's a good deal of confusion over what "EC" is exactly. We thought we'd clear the air on this last-chance pregnancy prevention tool.

To read about how women in Ohio have been denied access to Emergency Contraception, check out this 2005 article from Cleveland Scene.

[The following info is not meant to be medical advice. It is simply offered as an informative guide. To receive or use Emergency Contraception, see a pharmacist, doctor, or visit a Planned Parenthood clinic near you.]

* Emergency Contraception is a medication taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex that prevents a pregnancy from starting.

* Chemically, some EC is identical to regular birth control pills. In fact, one EC method involves taking a larger dose of birth control pills. See a pharmacist or doctor for more information.

* One form of Emergency Contraception is known by the brand name "Plan B."

* Emergency Contraception is available at Planned Parenthood and other women's health clinics, pharmacies, and some hospital emergency rooms.

* You don't need to be sexually active or have had unprotected sex to buy EC. Many women keep EC in their medicine cabinet in case of a condom break, unprotected sexual encounter, or sexual assault.

* Emergency Contraception is NOT a form of abortion. It is not RU-486 or Mifepristone. EC will not affect an existing pregnancy.

For further info on EC, check out Planned Parenthood's EC page.


-Gabriel

An important part of talking openly and honestly to our children and teens about sex involves warning them about physical and sexual abuse. They must understand that their bodies are private, and no one should touch them inappropriately. In schools, age-appropriate sex education can open a dialogue with children about assaults they may have witnessed or been victims of. Planned Parenthood is proud to support this event for victims' rights.


Ohio Attorney General Rich Cordray is kicking off
National Crime Victims Week at the Speak Out:
Voices United for Victims' Rights Rally
RSVP HERE
Sunday, April 26th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Ohio Supreme Court, 65 S. Front St., Columbus, OH 43215


Parking: Riffe Center – 77 S. High St or Ohio State House
Street parking is free on Sundays)

www.SpeakOutOhio.gov/victimsvoices




-Gabriel