Not every district provides emergency contraception, but we must make sure that for those who do, the choice is available and funded. Rep. Coburn's amendment undermines local efforts to prevent teen pregnancy, and undermines local authority. Emergency contraception prevents pregnancy - it is not RU 486, and is not an abortion. Congress must respect local school boards' decisions about whether their own school-based health clinics should provide emergency contraception. Although our teen pregnancy rates are declining, they are still radically higher than rates in other industrialized nations.
Emergency contraception can keep teens from becoming pregnant and becoming parents.
Teens who seek emergency contraception are taking responsibility for their actions, and we should encourage that responsible behavior. If they come to clinics for emergency contraception, we can bring them back for better preventive education and health care. Banning access to emergency contraception may result in more unintended pregnancies and abortion. The amendment would not reduce teens' sexual activity, but instead will deter teens from seeking the services necessary to avoid unintended pregnancies. Access to emergency contraception is especially critical for teen victims of rape or incest.