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Prevention First Lobby Day 2010
On Wednesday, April 21st, over 150 pro-prevention volunteers went to the Ohio Statehouse to talk to legislators about the Ohio Prevention First Act with a specific request to pass House Bill 333, which would require hospitals to give rape victims the option of using Emergency Contraception to prevent becoming pregnant by their attackers.
During our panel discussion moderated by Columbus City Councilwoman Eileen Paley, Sondra Miller of the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center, rape survivor Elizabeth Williams, and State Representative Dan Stewart each addressed how current Ohio law neglects survivors of sexual assault by allowing hospitals to refuse to provide Emergency Contraception. After the discussion, Rep. Stewart (D-Columbus) was presented the National Sexual Violence Resource Center's Visionary Voice Award by Samar Ahmad of the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence.
(From Left) Samar Ahmad, Councilwoman Paley, Sondra Miller, Rep. Stewart, and Elizabeth Williams
Senate Minority Leader Capri Cafaro and Representatives Nancy Garland, Marian Harris, and Connie Pillich attended a portion of the morning program before attendees left for a rally on the steps of the Ohio Statehouse. The rally was followed by legislative meetings where Prevention First advocates met with members of the Ohio legislature.
Senate Minority Leader Capri Cafaro addresses the attendees
Those of you who could not attend joined us via email. Nearly 300 emails were sent to state lawmakers from Planned Parenthood supporters. Here's what some of you had to say:
"It is unconscionable that hospitals and/or doctors would refuse to assist a rape victim at one of a woman's most stressful and chaotic times. Please do not let this happen. Require that medications and contraception be administered as soon as possible." - Vivienne
"It's not the victim's fault. Don't victimize them once again by denying them the right to safe, effective protection." - Jeanette
"I work with Rape Survivors as they go through forensic exams. For most, the reason they decide to go through with this frightening process is to protect their health. These women are afraid of unseen injuries, catching an STI and/or getting pregnant. They need access to all the medicines that will protect them." - Denice
"My sister was a victim of rape. She became pregnant and had an abortion. If she knew about EC, she could have avoided the emotional pain that her decision to end the pregnancy caused, not to mention the physical and mental trauma of the procedure itself. For her and all the women like her, I ask you to pass this bill." - Amy
"Having to submit to examinations and questions are scary enough without having to wonder if the hospital is withholding information and medical care that could make the trauma less severe and long-lasting. As a victim, I know the fear and shame I felt when talking to my own doctor. Please help make a physical and emotional assault less painful by making sure hospitals provide patients the care they desire." - Susan
