Back It Up!
Today is the seventh annual Back Up Your Birth Control Day and we couldn’t be more excited! Around the country students, activists, and organizations are taking action to help raise awareness for Emergency Contraception (also know as Plan B or the Morning After Pill). EC is a crucial part of reproductive rights because it is can prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex and unexpected birth control failure, and just like other forms of contraceptives it must be kept accessible to women everywhere.
From the campaign website:
“The 2008 Day of Action is dedicated to making EC available to all women regardless of their income, insurance coverage or immigration status. While we celebrate the FDA decision that made EC available over-the-counter to women 18 and older, we know that the high cost of EC over-the counter, usually between $40-70 in pharmacies nationwide, is a continuing barrier to some women accessing EC.”
There are several ways for you to help us celebrate on this important day and throughout the year.
1) Contact your Senator and ask her/him to support the Prevention First Act, which ensures that victims of sexual assault receive accurate information about and full access to EC.
2) Sign the petition provided by the Feminist Majority to demand affordable birth control at colleges and clinics everywhere.
3) Watch this video from Planned Parenthood.
4) Read about global EC availability from the International Consortium for Emergency Contraception.
5) Write an OpEd to spread the word about how unequal access remains a problem among women.
6) Add your organization to the long list of campaign sponsors!
Check out other ways to take action on the campaign website. Happy Back Up Your Birth Control Day!