Bill Aids Rape Victims; House Attacks Choice Again

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(WOMENSENEWS)-- Cheers Congressman Steve Rothman, D-N.J., re-introduced a bill May 4 giving full access to emergency contraception in the emergency room to help survivors of sexual assault, according to a press release. The Compassionate Assistance for Rape Emergencies Act would prohibit any federal funds from being provided to a hospital unless they meet requirements, such as offering education on emergency contraception and affordable access to it. "While I understand how passionate people on both sides of this debate are, we all agree that we should avoid unintended pregnancies, especially in the case of rape or sexual assault," said Rothman in the statement. More News to Cheer This Week: House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., admits a deal with the White House on a plan to remake Medicare is unlikely, the Washington Post reported May 5. Researchers and representatives from the criminal justice system will team up to establish protocol for testing sexual assault kits, according to a press release by Sam Houston State University. For background read WeNews' commentary on why the testing of all rape kits is not necessary. Glamour magazine launched "Tell Somebody," a campaign to raise awareness of unreported incidences of relationship abuse, on May 3, the anniversary of the murder of a female lacrosse player by her boyfriend, reported CBS.