Senator Turner Introduces Sexual Assault Legislation

Columbus –State Senator Nina Turner (D-Cleveland), today introduced Senate Bill 283, the Compassionate Assistance for Rape (CARE) Act. The legislation would help to ensure that sexual assault survivors are offered medical treatment following an assault.

“It is absolutely imperative that victims of sexual assault are provided with the full array of treatment information and options when they seek medical assistance,” said Senator Turner. “This legislation will make sure they receive the level of care that they deserve.”

The CARE Act would require that all hospital emergency rooms provide sexual assault survivors with treatment that can prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections if the survivor wishes to take them. The bill would not require assault survivors to submit to any treatment, but would only require hospitals to let them know what options are available and provide them if desired.

“These measures will guarantee equal access to care for victims across the state, regardless of the beliefs of the institution they seek assistance from,” said Senator Turner. “It should not come down to the luck of the draw; victims should be able to decide what treatment they receive, not hospitals.”

According to a 2007 survey of emergency rooms, almost 20 percent of the Ohio hospitals that responded do not guarantee access to emergency contraception. The CARE Act seeks to reduce that number by placing the responsibility on the hospital to have policies in place that ensure safe and equal access to all medical options.

State Representatives Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) and Nancy Garland (D-New Albany) will co-sponsor companion legislation in the Ohio House of Representatives.