Some confusion has arisen over my opposition to HB 1042 concerning
emergency contraceptives. I trust this reply will clear up any
misunderstandings on this important issue.

Rep. Betty Boyd's (D-Lakewood) bill is designed to force hospitals to
participate in the process of administering emergency contraceptives.
Some hospitals, most notably the Catholic hospitals, find it morally
objectionable to recommend emergency contraceptives. In their
legitimate medical opinion, emergency contraceptives can jeopardize the
life of a very young human embryo.

In a committee hearing and on the House floor I attempted to amend HB
1042 to allow those hospitals the option of not participating in the
process of administering emergency contraceptives for moral or
religious reasons. The bill's sponsor opposed the amendment, stating
that the very purpose of the bill was to force all hospitals to comply.
Unfortunately, on a party line vote, the amendment failed both times.

As it currently stands, HB 1042 will force some hospitals to violate
their moral and religious beliefs. We should do all we can to support
victims of sexual assault, but I will continue to oppose this bill as
long as it continues to force some hospitals into this unacceptable
violation of their moral principles.