

By Pacific Island Times News Staff
Sen. William A. Parkinson on Tuesday introduced a bill that would mandate emergency health care facilities in Guam to provide emergency contraception for survivors of rape.
“Emergency rooms are often the first point of contact for individuals in need of urgent medical care after a sexual assault and they should be equipped with the necessary resources to provide comprehensive care to patients," Parkinson said.
Bill 24-38 would also require emergency care facilities to provide "medically and factually accurate objective" oral and written information about emergency contraception and sexually transmitted diseases. Such facilities must inform each victim of their option for emergency contraception.
Parkinson previously introduced the proposal in the 37th Guam Legislature
According to the FBI Uniform Crime Report, Guam has the second-highest number of rapes per capita in the entire United States. In 2020, 75 percent of sexual assault victims were minors.
“Survivors of rape and sexual assault are some of the most vulnerable in our community,” Parkinson said. “Guam has some of the highest sexual assault rates in the country, and emergency contraception taken within 120 hours can prevent pregnancy. Emergency contraception prevents pregnancy. It does not induce an abortion. ”
Emergency contraceptive pills, also known as the “morning-after pill,” can prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, including rape.
EC significantly reduces the risk of pregnancy if taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. It is most effective if taken within 12 hours of intercourse, but can be effective up to at least 120 hours.
Twenty-two states and the District of Columbia have laws or regulations that require hospital emergency rooms to provide information about or access to EC to sexual assault survivors.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Public Health Association recommend that EC be offered to all rape patients at risk of pregnancy.
Likewise, in their guidelines for treating women who have been raped, the American Medical Association advises physicians to ensure that rape patients are informed about and, if appropriate, provided EC.
"Time is absolutely critical for a woman who wishes to prevent pregnancy after rape," Parkinson said. “I strongly support the availability of emergency contraception in emergency rooms. Access to emergency contraception can be crucial for women and girls who have experienced sexual assault, as it can help prevent unintended pregnancies and reduce the need for abortion.”
EC pills prevent or delay ovulation, and cannot terminate an established pregnancy. They should be taken as quickly as possible because they are more effective the sooner they are taken after unprotected sex, but can be taken up to 120 hours later. They have no complicated or long-term side effects.
"It is important to provide patients with accurate and unbiased information about emergency contraception so they can make informed decisions about their healthcare. We have to ensure that patients have access to all available medical options,” he added.
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