Hospitals Not Providing Emergency Contraception To
Sexual Assault Victims Based On Religous Or Moral Beliefs

The following hospitals have notified the Department of Health (DOH) that pursuant to 28 Pa. Code § 117.57 they may not offer emergency contraception to a sexual assault victim and provide emergency contraception at the hospital at the request of the victim as doing so is contrary to the stated religious or moral beliefs of the hospital. These hospitals must:

• Provide individual oral and written notice to the sexual assault victim that emergency contraception is not provided at the hospital due to the stated religious or moral beliefs of the hospital.
  
• Provide oral and written notice to the sexual assault victim of the hospital’s obligation to arrange for transportation for the sexual assault victim as stated below, and prominently display such notice in the hospital’s emergency service area.
  
• Upon request of the sexual assault victim, arrange for immediate transportation for the sexual assault victim, at no cost to the sexual assault victim, to the closest hospital where the sexual assault victim could obtain emergency contraception. If the sexual assault victim’s medical condition does not require further inpatient hospital services, the hospital may arrange to transport the victim to a rural health clinic, federally qualified health center, pharmacy, or other similar location where a sexual assault victim could obtain emergency contraception.