'Morning after pill' survives panel vote
By Lynda Arakawa
Advertiser Capitol Bureau
Pharmacists would be able to dispense emergency contraceptive pills — commonly called the "morning after pill" — without a prescription, under a bill approved yesterday by the House Consumer Protection and Commerce Committee.
Supporters of the bill, which now goes to the full House, said the measure would especially help women who have limited access to health care services or those who don't see a doctor regularly. Some also noted that pharmacies are usually open more often than physicians' offices and family planning clinics.
The emergency contraceptive treatment — which does not cause an abortion — must be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, and the pills are more effective the sooner they are used. Supporters also said emergency contraceptives are not likely to be chosen as a regular means of contraception because of side effects such as nausea.
Paula Arcena, executive director of the Hawai'i Medical Association, said that nearly half of the 6.3 million pregnancies in the United States each year are not planned.
"Emergency contraception holds the potential to cut this figure in half," she said. "This could, in turn, substantially reduce the U.S. abortion rate."
Officials with the state Department of Commerce and the Consumer Affairs' Board of Pharmacy opposed the bill, saying the board does not support dispensing such medication without a valid prescription and that pharmacists don't have the authority to prescribe drugs.
Supporters said lawmakers should delete what they called an unconstitutional provision in the bill that excludes minors from receiving the drugs without a prescription. Barry Raff, chief executive officer of Planned Parenthood Hawai'i, said teenagers are troubled by a lack of access to contraceptives and that the provision conflicts with state statutes assuring minors 14 to 17 years old access to family planning and other services.
Reach Lynda Arakawa at larakawa@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8070.
