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Ultra conservative politicians have already denied young people access to information. Now they're limiting our access to emergency birth control, too. Need an outlet to express your frustration with this hypocrisy?
Sign a petition protesting the FDA's decision to limit young women's access to emergency contraception >> |
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Rights. Respect. Responsibility.® Emergency Contraception Campaign—Make EC Available Without a Doctor's Prescription for ALL Women
Young women in more than 30 countries around the world have a better chance of preventing unintended pregnancy than do American women under the age of 18. Why?
Because politicians in these countries have made emergency contraception (EC) available without a prescription for women in need without regard to age! Here in the United States, the FDA has prohibited nonprescription access to EC for women under age 18. Taken within five days of unprotected sex, EC (also known as the morning after pill) can reduce a woman's chances of pregnancy by about 80 to 85 percent. Experts estimate that timely use of EC in the United States could cut the need for abortion by up to 70 percent. Yet, here in the United States, ultra conservatives in Congress have pressured the FDA to keep EC difficult to obtain, especially for young women. They argue without basis that widespread availability of EC would promote promiscuity among teens!
Think politicians in the U.S. have the right to keep young women from getting EC in drug stores? Think they are hypocritical in arguing that abortion is wrong, yet restricting access to a medication that could make abortion less necessary?
Then make your voice count! Join other youth activists in the Rights. Respect. Responsibility.® Campaign as we raise our voices to make EC more available for ALL young women. Here's how you can get started.
Things You Can Do Today
- Step 1: Sign the petition demanding that the FDA make EC available without a doctor's prescription for all women, including young women under age 18.
- Step 2: Learn more about EC
- Step 3: Take the pop quiz to test your knowledge on EC!
What Else Can You Do?
Want to do more?
- Step 8: Educate your friends. Send them an e-mail letting them know how to get EC before they need it.
- Step 9: Join up with other youth activists through the Youth Activist Network.
- Step 10: Share your story explaining why you believe EC should be more available for American young women.
- Step 11: Conduct a survey to find out how available EC is in your community. Write a letter to the editor of your local or state newspaper.
- Step 12: Get others involved. Plan local events! Advocates' Campaign Toolkit has great resources for making these events successful.
So, you're ready to
get rolling. We are excited
about your involvement in the Rights. Respect. Responsibility.®Campaign. Together, we can improve policies affecting adolescent sexual health worldwide.
Sincerely,
Advocates for Youth staff and activists
Questions? Contact Us!
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