A legislative committee takes public testimony on the Compassionate Care for Rape Victims Bill . The proposal from State Senator Judy Robson (D-Beloit) would require hospitals to tell rape victims about emergency contraceptives and make the morning after pill available to them. Robson says all sexual assault victims have already suffered a traumatic crime, and deserve access to comprehensive medical care.
Several victims of rape came forward to testify the importance of EC during Wednesday's hearing, such as Amanda Harrington of Whitefish Bay. Harrington was raped while in Italy and says being offered the morning after pill was a major step in her road to recovery. She says it reminded her that she still had some control over what is done to her body.
Pro-Life Wisconsin's Matt Sande is among those opposing the bill. The group contends EC can cause a chemical abortion, and doctors shouldn't be forced to make it available. The group is opposed to all forms of contraception, and Sande instead asked the state to consider reaching out to pregnant rape victims with counseling and adoption services.
The bill is currently being considered by a Senate committee.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (MP3 1:05)
