Emergency contraception is not a guaranteed right in our society, and if our friends at Wal-Mart have anything to do with it, no woman will be allowed to prevent herself from becoming pregnant by using a perfectly legal remedy called the Preven Emergency Contraceptive Kit.

The Preven kit allows a woman to prevent a fertilized egg from attaching to her uterine wall within 72 hours after sex.

Now, this method is not standard birth control; it is used by women whose normal means of birth control may have failed and in cases of rape.

Some lawmakers are claiming that pharmacists should not have to sell this legal remedy if it conflicts with their personal beliefs.

What makes Wal-Mart’s plan so irresponsible is its virtual monopoly in smaller towns across the country. Many women will not be able to get Preven because Wal-Mart thinks they shouldn’t be allowed to control their own fertility. How un-American.

Let us assume for one moment that this decision is based on a genuine desire to preserve the sanctity of life. If a woman gets pregnant because she was raped or because the condom broke, she isn’t likely to be deterred by this high-handed decision. This will, in fact, lead to more clinical abortions.

According to an article in the State News, Wal-Mart officials claim the decision is not based on ethics.

Really? What is it based on then?

This is the same company that makes Marilyn Manson albums unavailable to the public and pulled Sheryl Crow’s album because she insulted the company for selling guns.

What is that if not an ethical decision?

So we are dealing with a company that makes ethical decisions regarding which products it will sell to the public based on a singular worldview. We find this decision reprehensible.

Full access to medical products, especially birth control, SHOULD be guaranteed in this country.

Women deserve the right to control their own reproductive systems. Wal-Mart owes them that, willingly or not.