The Honorable Michael Michaud
Unites States House of Representatives
437 Cannon HOB
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Representative Michaud:
We write to convey the American Civil Liberties Union's strong support for H.R. 2635, which will ensure that emergency contraception is available at all military health facilities.
Emergency contraception, which prevents pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure, is a safe and effective solution to a pressing health care need. Often referred to as "the morning after pill," emergency contraception reduces the risk of pregnancy by as much as 89 percent if the first dose is taken within days of unprotected intercourse, but it is more effective the sooner it is taken. Reducing the number of unintended pregnancies reduces the need for abortion: it is estimated that increased use of emergency contraception accounted for up to 43 percent of the total decline in abortions between 1994 and 2000.
Further, recent statistics from the Department of Defense indicate that between three and six percent of active-duty women in the military report having been sexually assaulted, and a 2003 study found that 30 percent of female U.S. military veterans report having been raped or suffered a rape attempt during their military service. For military women facing the tragedy of a sexual assault, a resulting pregnancy is a further blow. It is imperative that they have the option to prevent a pregnancy resulting from the rape.
At a time when we are expecting so much from our military women, it is critical that they have every resource at their disposal to meet their health needs. The ACLU thanks you for introducing H.R. 2635.
Sincerely,
Gregory T. Nojeim
Acting Director and Chief Legislative Counsel