Emergency Contraception the Focus
of Roe Vs. Wade Celebration
To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Roe vs. Wade
Supreme Court Ruling, the Rider University chapter of the National
Organization for Women and the Gender Studies Program will host a
panel discussion Wednesday, January 29 at 4:30 p.m. in Sweigart Auditorium,
followed by a party in the atrium of the College of Business Administration.
The ruling in 1973 guaranteed the right
for American women to choose a legal and safe medical abortion. The
anniversary commemoration on campus will focus on emergency contraception.
A panel of guests, representing the Rider Health Center, Republicans
for Choice, and Planned Parenthood will present information on the
medical aspects, political and legislative activities, and availability
of Emergency Contraception Pills (ECPs).
A question and answer period will follow
the panel presentations. The discussion will conclude with the serving
of anniversary cake. Participants will be also be able to sign a petition
and write letters to legislators and political leaders in support
of emergency contraception. Additional written information about emergency
contraception and organizations will be available.
According to Marilyn Quinn, Rider's
bibliographic control librarian and event coordinator, although ECPs
have been approved by the FDA since September 1998, surveys still
indicate that most women in the United States are unaware of their
existence and are confused about what they are and how to obtain them.
“It is very important that all women
of child-bearing age, and for all men as well, to learn what EC is,
how it is used, and where to get it,” said Quinn. “While
they are not a replacement for regular contraception methods, ECPs
prevent a lot of unwanted pregnancies and abortions. We hope to see
a big crowd at our reproductive health party on Jan. 29.”
For more information, contact Quinn at (609) 895-5727.
