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March 13, 2008
Gov. Doyle brings commonsense legislation to Wisconsin
Good news out of Wisconsin today! Hospitals are now required to provide emergency contraception to rape victims, thanks to the hard work of NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin, along with a coalition of reproductive rights groups, and the pro-choice Gov. Doyle!
Flanked by two survivors of sexual assault, one with tears welling in her eyes, Gov. Jim Doyle signed a long awaited bill today that requires hospitals to provide emergency contraception to rape victims."This is one bill I've been working to get on my desk for a long, long time," Doyle said.
He credited rape survivors like Linda Gage and Amanda Harrington, who provided testimony before the state Legislature and appeared next to him at the bill signing, with being instrumental to the bill's passage.
"I would like to recognize all of the survivors who have been willing to come forward with their stories ... and to tell what they went through," Doyle said. "The survivors really made this happen."
According to the 2004 Wisconsin Office of Justice Assistance Report on Sexual Assaults in Wisconsin, approximately one forcible rape is reported every 7 hours, 42 minutes, 40 seconds in Wisconsin. This law will go far to ensure that survivors of rape will have access to the respect and support they deserve.
Doyle also gave a special shout out to Rep. Terry Musser, a Republican from Black River Falls and the bill's co-author in the Assembly, who fought bruising battles with members of his party over the bill. In fact, when given a loud round of applause by the legislators and advocates at the signing, Musser quipped, "Don't remind my caucus."In brief remarks, an emotional Gage said the new law makes her "proud and honored" to be a Wisconsin resident.
"It tells me, my daughter and the women of Wisconsin that our health and well-being does matter to our state government."
As mentioned in a recent letter to the editor, the passage of this bill proves that it is possible for both sides of the debate to come together to support commonsense solutions to reduce the need for abortion.
Take a moment to read the full story here and be sure to visit NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin’s website to learn more about supporting women’s health and privacy in Wisconsin.
Posted by Molly at March 13, 2008 5:46 PM