Letter: Contraceptive ruling hurts the vulnerable

EDITOR,
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention just published a report about domestic violence. One aspect of this study states: “Almost half of the women who reported rape … said it happened when they were 17 or younger.”
In light of this data, it is unconscionable that the availability of Plan B, the day-after contraceptive pill, will continue to be limited to behind-the-counter pharmacies and only to girls over 17. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has concluded that no 11-year-old girls should have access. Having been an 11-year-old girl, long ago, I am certain that most little girls do not initiate sexual activity. We were more interested in dolls and skipping rope. But Ms. Sebelius decided to override the FDA’s ease on Plan B restrictions. So, the cycle of violence against women and little girls continues. Rape is an act of violence, dominance and intimidation, and it is absolutely devastating to find you’re pregnant after a violent rape. It can truly ruin your life. Plan B was an escape hatch, but it’s been slammed shut to those needing it most, the very young and the very vulnerable. We should all be ashamed.
Julie Hendriks, Boulder Creek