The Virginia House of Delegates currently is considering legislation that would restrict the distribution of emergency contraception, with a particular focus on state institutions of higher learning.
A bill sponsored by Del. Robert G. Marshall, R-Manassas, began in the Education Committee but was referred to the Committee for Courts of Justice Wednesday. The bill is set to be voted on in the committee next week.
"Del. Marshall does not feel it is an appropriate thing for colleges and universities to be selling," said Claire Gardner, Marshall's legislative assistant.
Currently, 10 public colleges and universities in Virginia dispense emergency contraception at their student health facilities, according to Ben Greenberg, director of government relations with Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia.
The University prescribes emergency contraception but does not distribute it. Students must fill their prescriptions at pharmacies.
Planned Parenthood advocates said they are concerned about the potential success of the House bills.
"I think in the House of Delegates there is a good deal of support," Greenberg said. "The committee the house bills were referred to is likely to be supportive -- we have an uphill battle trying to stop them."
The bills would face much greater opposition once introduced to the Senate, Greenberg said.
Once through the Senate, the bill would go into effect July 1.
University Student Health officials predict the passage of the bill would have a major impact on the University student body. Student Health has had a formal clinical protocol for prescribing emergency contraception since 1988.
In 2003, Student Health wrote over 350 prescriptions for emergency contraception, said Christine Peterson, director of gynecology at Student Health.
"If the bills pass, there will be a significantly higher number of unplanned pregnancies, most which will be terminated by abortion by the women involved," Peterson said.
Some University students, however, expressed support for restricting the distribution of emergency contraceptives on Grounds and around the state.
"Emergency contraception is a complex issue because unlike barrier methods, it does not function solely to prevent conception," said Christine Elliott, vice president of First Right, a pro-life group at the University. "We would support legislation to restrict access through the University."
In the Senate, some legislators are working to define contraception more clearly, distinguishing it from abortion in order to protect its use. Sen. Mary Margaret Whipple, D-Arlington, is sponsoring a bill that would define contraception as any method preventing conception.
The bill passed the Senate Education and Health Committee yesterday and will reach the Senate floor Tuesday.
"Some legislators are trying to blur lines between contraception and abortion," Greenberg said. "If they had their way, they would apply abortion laws to contraception."
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