Local7/29/2005

Notes from the Hill: Update on emergency contraception debate

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On July 25, Governor Mitt Romney vetoed a bill, S. 2073, that deals with emergency contraception. The bill would require hospitals to give emergency contraception to women victimized by rape. Also it would allow a pharmacist to work with a doctor to dispense emergency contraception without a prescription to sexually active women and girls.

It appears that the Massachusetts Senate and House will take up the veto after Labor Day. Sustaining a veto occurs only if more than one-third of the legislators in each branch back the Governor. The Senate sent the bill to the Governor by a vote of 37-0; the House approved it by a vote of 128-24.