All hospitals in the District would be required to offer emergency contraception to sexual assault victims under legislation moving through the D.C. Council.
The bill, introduced more than a year ago, mandates that every hospital and clinic distribute information about emergency contraception, as well as the actual treatment, to sexual assault victims who request it. Emergency contraception prevents fertilization if taken within 72 hours of intercourse.
The only issue raised during a hearing Thursday before the council’s health committee was on behalf of Providence Hospital, a Catholic institution. The bill does not currently include a “conscience clause” for doctors or nurses who might be uncomfortable with, or religiously barred from, providing emergency contraception.
Councilman David Catania, committee chairman, said he would be willing to accept a compromise, perhaps requiring Providence to discuss options with their patients and then provide “quick transport” to another facility willing to distribute the medication.
“This is a tough question, because as much as I want to respect Providence and their religious tenets, there has to be some balance here,” Catania said.
More than 20 states have emergency contraception laws. Dr. Pierre Vigilance, D.C. health director, told the committee that 5 percent of all rape victims become pregnant, but greater availability of emergency contraception could reduce those pregnancies by as much as 89 percent.
Robert Malson, chief executive officer of the D.C. Hospital Association, said he would work with Providence to arrange a compromise. It is unclear whether Georgetown University Hospital, now owned by MedStar, also would be included in those talks.
The bill is likely to come up for a vote early next year.
