WSFA 12 News Montgomery, AL |State to Continue Offering 'Morning After' Pills

State to Continue Offering 'Morning After' Pills

State health officials say they will continue to distribute emergency contraceptives, also called "morning-after pills," at family planning clinics, despite criticism. Health Department officials say the pills, which can prevent most pregnancies if taken within 72 hours after sexual relations, are a safe way for women to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

But abortion opponents say the pills terminate pregnancies, rather than prevent them, and should not be distributed by the state. Christian Coalition president John Giles says it's promoting a whole new market for young teenagers to get pregnant and run to the Health Department to get bailed out.

State Health Officer Doctor Don Williamson says federal officials require states to make available a variety of birth control options to receive federal family planning money.

Alabama Congressman Robert Aderholt says that doesn't mean state clinics must offer women the option of taking the morning-after pills. Aderholt says Alabama's congressional delegation sent a letter to Williamson "to clarify federal policy" concerning distribution of the pills. Aderholt said he believes the pills cause abortions, but health officials said they do not abort the fetus.

Williamson says the health department began offering the emergency contraceptives as an option to women at its clinics in early April, partly because of federal guidelines and partly because "it was good health policy."

Alabama Associated Press