State Senate Republican Leader Louis C. DeLuca (R-Woodbury) testified today against proposed legislation that would require Catholic Hospitals, such as St. Mary’s in Woodbury, to dispense so-called “Plan-B” contraceptive pills to sexual assault victims, even though it runs contrary to the beliefs and practices of the Catholic Church.  Proponents of the legislation have attempted to characterize the situation facing these victims as an “emergency,” but, as Senator DeLuca pointed out, there are secular hospitals that provide this medication within 20 miles of each of the four Catholic hospitals.  Furthermore, sexual assault victims are provided with information about the Plan-B option by first responders such as ambulance personnel, and by the counselors they speak with after medical treatment.

“The 1st amendment of the Constitution says Congress shall pass no law prohibiting the free exercise of religion, and in my opinion, this bill infringes on that basic principle to solve a ‘problem’ that really isn’t a problem,” said Senator DeLuca.  “The Catholic Hospitals have a right to their views, and for the state to insert a mandate which directly conflicts with 2000 years of tradition, belief and practice, it demonstrates how little ‘religious tolerance’ means when the legislature looks to expand its own authority at the expense of the Catholic Church.  It might not be popular amongst those who view the Church as an easy target, but the Constitution says we have to respect all beliefs, including Catholics.”

Senator DeLuca also explained how the use of the “morning after pill” is not dependent on an immediate, or “emergency,” use.  The pill is effective within 72 hours of the incident, and there is nothing restricting a woman from obtaining this medication via another hospital or health care provider.  It is believed that in some cases, the counseling services will even provide transportation for the women to a hospital where they can receive the Plan-B pill.

“No one is saying that the victims of these crimes should not have this option, we’re just saying that it doesn’t have to be at a Catholic hospital,” said Senator DeLuca.  “The ‘morning after pill’ is exactly that – it can be taken the day after, and even within 72 hours to be effective.  Any victim of sexual assault who goes to one of these four hospitals and wants to avail themselves to the Plan-B pill would be fully capable of doing so.  To mandate Catholic hospitals to do dispense this medication when there are plenty of other options amounts to a solution looking for a problem.”

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