Health board votes 3-2 to keep emergency contraceptive as an option
Robbinsville – With a narrow majority, Graham County commissioners on Monday voted that a controversial emergency contraceptive medication will continue to be an option for women who seek family planning care from the Graham County Public Health Department.
Voting to keep the emergency contraceptive called Ella on shelves at the Graham County Public Health Department were commissioners Dale Wiggins and Jacob Nelms, joined by board Chairman Connie Orr.
Voting to remove the contraceptive were commissioners Keith Eller and Lynn Cody.
The commissioners, serving as the board of directors for the Public Health Department, had postponed a decision two weeks ago to allow more time for research. They were unable to discuss the issue at last week’s Board of Commissioners meeting because such discussion must take place within the board’s role as Board of Health. That board reconvened on Monday evening in a special meeting.
Following a lengthy public comment period – with more than 60 people in attendance and as many as 200 watching a live-stream online – one by one, the commissioners provided their insights about the drug, and for the most part, all five commissioners seemed to be in agreement.
All five talked about the need to protect unborn babies and several said they are Pro Life.
Ultimately, it was Dale Wiggins’ motion, with Jacob Nelms seconding it, that preserved Ella as a treatment option for unwanted early pregnancies.
Nelms said he is 100 percent Pro Life and completely against abortion, but added the “division and dissension” over Ella during the past few months have been upsetting him.
He said the law requires the Public Health Department to provide specific services – or ensure that the services be provided if the county is unable or unwilling to provide the services itself.
Commissioner Lynn Cody said the goal is to ensure that everybody in the county receives the proper care that they deserve.
“We have to protect our own – come together and work together,” he said.
Commissioner Eller said he did his own research and listened to all sides before deciding how to proceed.
Wiggins, whose seat as a county commissioner expires in December, cautioned against relying on the internet for research about things like Ella.
He said the use of emergency contraceptives should be a private discussion between a woman and her health care provider, adding that for women with low income and little or no insurance, the Public Health Department is their only option.
He said removing Ella as an option in Graham County would only be symbolic, since the Public Health Department would still be required to ensure that the medication be available from other sources.