Two area hospitals, UPMC Mercy and Mercy Jeannette Hospital, have opted not to provide emergency contraception (EC) to sexual assault survivors who arrive seeking care. The hospitals are allowed to opt out under Governor Rendell's regulations which mandate that hospitals, at minimum, inform victims about the existence of EC.
More info from the PA Department of Health:
The following hospitals have notified the Department of Health (DOH) that pursuant to 28 Pa. Code § 117.57 they may not offer emergency contraception to a sexual assault victim and provide emergency contraception at the hospital at the request of the victim as doing so is contrary to the stated religious or moral beliefs of the hospital. These hospitals must*:
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Provide individual oral and written notice to the sexual assault victim that emergency contraception is not provided at the hospital due to the stated religious or moral beliefs of the hospital.
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Provide oral and written notice to the sexual assault victim of the hospital’s obligation to arrange for transportation for the sexual assault victim as stated below, and prominently display such notice in the hospital’s emergency service area.
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Upon request of the sexual assault victim, arrange for immediate transportation for the sexual assault victim, at no cost to the sexual assault victim, to the closest hospital where the sexual assault victim could obtain emergency contraception. If the sexual assault victim’s medical condition does not require further inpatient hospital services, the hospital may arrange to transport the victim to a rural health clinic, federally qualified health canter, pharmacy, or other similar location where a sexual assault victim could obtain emergency contraction.
Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital
Mercy Philadelphia Hospital
Mercy Suburban Hospital Norristown
Nazareth Hospital
Altoona Regional Health System – Bon Secours campus
Mercy Hospital Scranton
Muncy Valley Hospital
St. Mary Medical Center
Williamsport Hospital & Medical Center
UPMC Mercy
Mercy Jeannette Hospital
All of the facilities noted above have requested an exemption under 117.57(1).
In addition, under 117.58(1)(ii), St. Agnes Long Term Care Hospital has notified the Department that they have elected not to provide any sexual assault emergency services, as a hospital offering a limited range of emergency services.
(Via Planned Parenthood e-newsletter)
