VOX at VCU, a student organization, and Voices for Planned Parenthood, in a continued effort to educate the student body on issues regarding reproductive rights and prevention, would like to raise awareness of Back Up Your Birth Control day.
In honor of BUYBC day, the Virginia League of Planned Parenthood will be offering one free packet of emergency contraception (EC) per person on March 21, 2007, at their health center in Richmond. Each year an estimated 3 million pregnancies (which accounts for half of all pregnancies in the United States) are unintended; thus Planned Parenthood advocates preventative measures such as the practice of accurate, high-quality sex education, family planning services, and better access to contraception including emergency contraception.
In August of 2006, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved over-the-counter, or nonprescription, access to Plan B for women over the age of 18 as a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy. This landmark decision by the FDA was endorsed by established medical organizations such as the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
It is beneficial for all women and couples to have EC on hand in the event of a mishap such as a broken condom, broken diaphragm or a lapse in birth control schedule in order prevent unintended pregnancy. Forms of EC are not “abortion pills,” such as RU-486. It is a common misconception that EC can be compared to RU-486, but in reality, there is no comparison. EC is simply a higher dosage of the hormones found in daily birth control pills, and does not affect an established pregnancy. Emergency contraception is 89% effective if taken within 72 hours; however the effectiveness does diminish over time. It is important to obtain the EC as quickly as possible, which is why EC awareness campaigns such as BUYBC day are vital to the fight for reproductive rights and preventative pregnancy practices.
Once again, Planned Parenthood in Richmond will be offering one packet of free EC per person on Wednesday, March 21, 2007, from 9:00 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. at their health center located at 3415 Floyd Avenue. Those who are interested in obtaining free EC should bring a valid ID with their birth date on it, and for those who are under the age of 18, Planned Parenthood can write a prescription for EC. For more information on EC and where it can be accessed, visit www.vlpp.org and www.backupyourbirthcontrol.org, or contact VLPP at 804-355-4358 x14. If you are curious about VOX and our work to protect reproductive rights, please visit our Web site at www.myspace.com/vcuvox.
– Michael Gillert