The ACLU Reproductive Freedom Project and The Clara Bell Duvall Reproductive Freedom Project of the ACLU of Pennsylvania announce the availability of a new manual to help advocates determine whether hospitals in their state provide emergency contraception (EC) to sexual assault survivors. Surveys already completed have shown how frequently hospitals refuse to provide EC, leaving survivors at risk of facing the added trauma of pregnancy from the assault. The survey results can be used in public education, media campaigns, and legislative efforts to press for change in emergency room policies.
After unprotected intercourse, pregnancy can be prevented by using EC, sometimes referred to as the ""morning after pill"" (although it is generally taken within a 72-hour window after unprotected intercourse). Time is of the essence with EC: research has shown that the sooner EC is provided, the better for preventing pregnancy. Medical experts agree that offering EC is part of the standard of care for treating sexual assault survivors, and yet many emergency rooms fail to provide this treatment.
This new publication takes advocates step-by-step through the survey process, including how to select a sample, how to use the model survey instrument and script, how to analyze the survey data, how to use the results to advocate for change, and how to build alliances to campaign effectively for proper care for sexual assault patients, including providing EC. A free copy of the guide can be obtained by contacting the ACLU Reproductive Freedom Project at 212-549-2633 or rfp@aclu.org.