Gov. Doyle Signs Compassionate Care for Rape Victims Act Into Law: First pro-choice bill in a generation ensures access to emergency birth control for rape victims
Madison, WI - Yesterday, women's health advocates marked a historic success in the battle to ensure that women have access to high-quality reproductive health care, as Governor Jim Doyle signed into law the Compassionate Care for Rape Victims Act (SB 129/AB 377). "We are thrilled that women in Wisconsin will no longer receive substandard care following a sexual assault, thanks to this bill," said Kelda Helen Roys, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin. "We thank the Governor for his strong support, the many legislators who worked tirelessly to ensure that this bill became law, and most of all the dozens of women who came forward to share their tragic, personal stories so that no rape victim will be revictimized ever again by inadequate medical treatment." The bill, which after seven years of languishing in the Republican-controlled legislature, finally passed with bipartisan support after a monumental grassroots organizing and lobbying campaign led by NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin and its partners in the Compassionate Care for Rape Victims Coalition. In recent months, NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin: - Collected 4,683 petition signatures in support of CCRV
- Held face-to-face conversations with 2,631 students statewide
- Convened 5 candlelight vigils with over 300 participants
- Contacted 3,126 voters through out Voice for Choice phone banks
- Submitted 89 letters to the editor
- Made over 2,500 constituent contacts to legislative offices
The landmark legislation guarantees that all hospital emergency rooms will provide rape victims with medically accurate information about, and access to, emergency contraception. Emergency contraception is a high dose of ordinary birth control pills that is highly effective at preventing pregnancy. It should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sexual contact, but can be effective up to 120 hours after intercourse. If a woman is already pregnant, EC will not work; it does not affect a pregnancy. For more information about the bill, please visit: http://www.prochoicewisconsin.org/instate/billwatch.shtml#3
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