The Compassionate Care for Servicewomen Act Needs Your Support
The Bush Administration has done everything in its power to block the distribution of emergency birth control to women. From delaying over-the-counter sales of the emergency contraception pill known as "Plan B," to overruling the decision by the Defense Department to stock "Plan B" at military medical facilities, President Bush's right wing agenda has been a constant assault on women's lives.
H.R.2064, known as the Compassionate Care for Servicewomen Act would remedy the problem faced by our courageous women serving in the armed forces who are in need of "Plan B" by requiring emergency contraception to be included within the list of drugs made available at every military health care facility. Given the incidences of sexual offenses occurring against women in the military as reported in various media outlets, it is critical that emergency contraception be made easily and readily available to these women. All women serving in the military deserve to have immediate access to such methods in order to prevent unwanted pregnancies.
It is mind boggling that the President would interfere with this decision by the Defense Department to ensure the availability of emergency contraception to female military personnel, let alone obstruct women's access to "Plan B" after the FDA determined the drug to be safe and effective for over-the-counter use. Yet it should not be surprising given how little respect the Bush Administration pays to factual data and scientific evidence.
Currently this bill, sponsored by Representative Michael H. Michaud from Maine, along with 9 cosponsors, is working its way through the legislative process and has been referred to the House Committee on Armed Services. It is important to contact your Representative to ensure his or her support for this critical piece of legislation. Certainly, at the very least, our government should be providing quality health care to the women who have committed their lives to the security of our country. They deserve the same peace of mind.
