New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg (R) on Tuesday signed into law a bill (285A) that will make emergency contraception available in the city's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene clinics and health facilities, the New York Times reports (Steinhauer, New York Times, 3/19). EC can prevent pregnancy if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex (Kaiser Daily Reproductive Health Report, 2/28). Bloomberg said that the bill will make EC available in "all STD clinics" in the city and would "successfully integrate family planning services with STD clinic services, which will result in increased access to EC and advanced reproductive health care for women in New York City" (Bloomberg release, 3/18). Bloomberg also said that the measure, which will cost an estimated $1 million annually, will make EC "available for women at risk for unintended pregnancies," according to the AP/Long Island Newsday. He added, "The consequences of unintended pregnancy can be very serious, including maternal death, ... birth defects, infant death and social and economic hardships for all involved" (AP/Long Island Newsday, 3/18).

Mayor Vetoes Two Other EC Bills
Bloomberg on Tuesday vetoed two other bills that would expand access to EC, including a bill (281A) that would require hospitals with city contracts to provide EC to rape survivors. Bloomberg said that the city "already does that," according to the New York Post. Bloomberg also vetoed a bill (278A) that would require pharmacies to post signs stating whether they dispense EC. The city Department of Consumer Affairs said such a law would be too hard to enforce, according to the Post. Several City Council members who sponsored the measures said they were "disappointed" with Bloomberg's actions, according to the Post. "Mayor Bloomberg needs to do the right thing for all New York City women and sign this entire package of legislation into law," Council members Christine Quinn (D), Eric Gioia (D) and Eva Moskowitz (D) said (Gaskell, New York Post, 3/19).