This issue is not the doctor’s decision, just as it was not the woman’s decision to be in this situation.

Plan B is not in any way, shape or form close to an abortion. It will not do anything – I repeat, anything – to an already fertilized egg. If anyone is judging you when you go up to the counter to buy the emergency contraceptive, they are stupid and misinformed. It states this information on the box.

So when it comes to the issue of doctors having to give the option of Plan B to all rape victims, there shouldn’t be a question. There’s a nasty rumor out there that is being taught by certain religious forms of education that contraception is evil because the only reason for sex is procreation. I’m not getting started on a rant about sex education or my theories and opinions regarding love-making.

However, the case in question isn’t one of some careless high-schooler who forgot to make her boyfriend wear a rubber. It’s one of rape, an unwanted violation that is going to stick with this person for the rest of her life. If you were her and could prevent could prevent the negative aspects of a rape pregnancy without an abortion, why wouldn’t you? This is what Plan B does.

To the doctors out there with these certain religious views, that’s great: It’s your freedom and right to keep them, but they are yours and yours alone. If there is a 14-year-old girl who doesn’t know all of her options and you don’t inform her, you would be violating your oath to do what’s absolutely best for your patient.

According to a rape survivor’s Web site, “Long term effects [of pregnancy from rape] may include depression, as many women may blame themselves, and experience feelings of shame and guilt that can then project onto their growing child.” I’m not trying to imply that every mother-child relationship is going to be screwed up…we are individuals here.

Though most informed victims inquire about Plan B, it has been reported that religious hospitals will refuse the option. The previously mentioned Web site said, “In New York in 2004, a 22-year-old rape survivor was denied the emergency contraception drug Plan B by a nurse who told her, ‘We're a Catholic hospital and don't do birth control.’ It was one of a growing number of reports of hospitals denying access to this medication, which prevents unintended pregnancy.”

This issue is not the doctor’s decision, just as it was not the woman’s decision to be in this situation. The doctor should be doing everything to make the victim comfortable and get her out of her situation.

Failure to do this could have a culminating affect in that fewer women might even go to the hospital to receive treatment if they know that they aren’t going to get the proper care. They might just go straight to Walgreens and grab it over the counter, letting possible unchecked STDs fester without proper treatment.

This should not be an issue because no matter what hospital you’re in, it’s still America. Roe v. Wade extends a woman’s right over her body to every situation.

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