Grimes David A
Family Health International, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2002 Dec;187(6):1536-8. doi: 10.1067/mob.2002.128521.
Fires and unintended pregnancies are important causes of morbidity, mortality, and financial loss in the United States. Home fire extinguishers and emergency contraception are both effective preventive interventions. The disparity between access to fire extinguishers and emergency contraception is irrational and indirectly hurts women's health. Although fire extinguishers require the user to make a diagnosis, choose the appropriate treatment, and assume some risk of serious injury and death, these canisters of pressurized chemicals are widely available without restriction. In contrast, women face several unnecessary obstacles to overcome before using emergency contraception, which is both simpler and safer to use. Clearly, a double standard prevails in prevention strategies for women. The Food and Drug Administration should approve over-the-counter availability of emergency contraception without further study or delay.
火灾和意外怀孕是美国发病、死亡和经济损失的重要原因。家用灭火器和紧急避孕都是有效的预防性干预措施。获取灭火器和紧急避孕方法之间的差距是不合理的，并且间接损害了女性健康。尽管使用灭火器需要使用者进行诊断、选择合适的处理方式，并承担一些严重受伤和死亡的风险，但这些装有加压化学品的罐子却可以不受限制地广泛获取。相比之下，女性在使用紧急避孕方法之前要克服几个不必要的障碍，而紧急避孕方法使用起来既更简单又更安全。显然，在针对女性的预防策略中存在双重标准。美国食品药品监督管理局应批准紧急避孕药物无需处方即可购买，无需进一步研究或拖延。
