To the Editor:

 Pennsylvania is on the verge of passing new protection for sexual assault victims. The House is poised to vote on legislation that will ensure that women who become victims don't remain victims.

 When a woman is sexually assaulted, she may not be ready to go to the police right away, but may be persuaded to seek medical treatment from a local hospital. Hospitals are safe environments that can help a women begin the long process of healing. Like they can in New York and New Jersey, shouldn't women in Pennsylvania be able to count on all hospitals to treat any injuries, provide a rape counselor and inform the victim about emergency contraception?

 It is estimated that more than 25,000 women become pregnant from rape each year. If the victim had been provided with emergency contraception, 88 percent of those pregnancies could have been prevented.

 It is positive that the House is moving forward on legislation (H.B. 288) that would provide this level of compassion and caring for women who go to any hospital for treatment following an assault. I also have sponsored legislation (S.B. 730) that would accomplish similar goals.

 Emergency contraception is a high dose of the same medication found in regular birth control pills. It can prevent pregnancy, but does not end an established pregnancy (it is not the French abortion pill RU-486). It should be taken within hours after a rape crisis.
 Whether you want to use the acronym of SAVET (H.B. 288) or C.A.R.E. (Compassionate Assistance for Rape Emergencies, S.B. 730), it should be understood that this level of care is not just about preventing pregnancy, but is also about helping a sexual assault victim regain her sense of self and control of her world.

Sincerely,
Connie Williams
State Senator
17^th District