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Controversial Plan B pill available for free
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What to know
What: Plan B, an emergency contraception commonly known as the morning-after pill, can reduce the likelihood of pregnancy after unprotected sex. Planned Parenthood clinics are distributing the contraceptive free today.
Where: 3625 Central Ave. N.E. in Albuquerque and 4300 Ridgecrest Dr. S.E., Suite P, in Rio Rancho. Call (800) 230-PLAN for more information.
When: From noon to 7 p.m., or until supplies run out.
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Planned Parenthood of New Mexico calls the pills it's giving away today a choice for emergency contraception, but a local anti-abortion group says abortion is a better word to describe what the the drug accomplishes.
The drug in question is commonly known as the morning-after pill, and will be available free at Planned Parenthood clinics in Rio Rancho and Albuquerque from noon to 7 p.m. or until supplies run out.
"We want to promote awareness," says Martha Edmands, director of public and governmental affairs with Planned Parenthood of New Mexico. "We're all about trying to reduce the number of unplanned pregnancies, reduce the number of abortions. We think EC (emergency contraception) is a good way to do that."
Late this summer, the Plan B pill was made available over the counter for women 18 and older. Otherwise, a prescription is required.
A volunteer with Project Defending Life, a local anti-abortion nonprofit group that assists mothers with unplanned pregnancies, says emergency contraceptives are just another form of abortion if sperm and egg have joined.
"Once the cells have joined, the contraceptives prevent them from continuing, and so it's a form of abortion," says Sally Govea. "Even though you think you're preventing, you're actually aborting what has begun."
Edmands says there is much debate over the definition of when conception begins but says this emergency contraception is not an "abortion pill."
"It's very safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy," she says. "People have different religious beliefs about when life begins, different values. It's up to a woman to decide for herself."
