This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2008, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
I am responding to the editorial "Preventing rape: It's time to talk to young men" (Our View, April 20). As a student in the master of social work program at the University of Utah, I worked on a project to encourage all Utah hospitals to offer emergency contraception to every sexual assault victim they treat. Despite the American Medical Association's recommendation that victims of sexual assault be offered EC to prevent an unintended pregnancy, 40 percent of Utah hospitals do not offer consistent on-site EC to victims.
Women who have experienced a traumatic event should be offered the full range of medical care available, at the very least they should be informed about EC and its availability either at the hospital or a nearby pharmacy. When they are assaulted, victims are stripped of their choice; giving them the option to take control of their health is one step toward healing.
Now is the time for Utah's hospitals to ensure the highest standards of care and compassion for victims of sexual assault.
Amber Vanderstappen
Salt Lake City
