House Bill 127 —  would require hospitals and health care providers to provide information about emergency contraception to women who have been sexually assaulted, and to dispense the medication when requested — passed House Judiciary Tuesday (Jan. 24).

Press statement from Judiciary Chair Gil Keith-Agaran:

Our committee decided to side with the victims on this bill. When these victims of sexual abuse arrive in any hospital or emergency room, they should be entitled to the recognized standard of care and the opportunity to take advantage of all medically approved treatments and services.

According to the House, 16 states have passed similar legislation. But similar legislation in Hawaii has failed to pass despite several attempts.

The Department of Health opposes HB127 because of concerns about cost, while the Hawaii Catholic Conference and the Hawaii Family Forum oppose it on religious grounds.