MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG SIGNS LEGISLATION MAKING EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION AVAILABLE AT CITY HEALTH CLINICS

Remarks by Mayor Bloomberg at a Public Hearing on Local Law

“The first bill before me today is Introductory Number 285-A, sponsored by Council Members Quinn, Moskowitz, Gioia, Reyna, Boyland, Clarke, Comrie, Gerson, Jackson, Koppell, Lopez, Nelson, Perkins, Recchia, Reed, Sanders, DeBlasio, Brewer, Yassky, Katz, Sears, Seabrook, Stewart and the Public Advocate (Ms. Gotbaum).  This legislation would make emergency contraception (EC) available in the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s STD clinics and health facilities.

“The Food and Drug Administration has deemed that the use of EC is safe and effective for the prevention of pregnancy.  Although EC prevents pregnancy, it will not interrupt an already established pregnancy.  These pills are most effective if taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse, and can reduce a woman’s risk of pregnancy from 75% to 89%.

“This legislation will make EC more readily available to women at risk for unintended pregnancy.  Unintended pregnancy is a reproductive and public health problem with tremendous impact.  The consequences of unintended pregnancy can be very serious, including maternal death, low birth rate, birth defects, infant death, and social and economic hardship for all involved.  Almost half of all pregnancies in the United States --about 3 million a year-- are unintended, and over half of these pregnancies end in abortion.  The Health Department’s vital records data show that 41% of the pregnancies in New York City in the year 2000 ended in induced abortion.

“The Department’s field sites serving women in communities with high rates of infant mortality and poor pregnancy found that as many as 80% of the pregnancies are unintended.  The availability of EC in all STD clinics will successfully integrate family planning services with STD clinic services, which will result in increased access to EC and advanced reproductive healthcare for women in New York City.”