The Clock Is Ticking...

It can't be this hard, at this time, in this place? Can it?

A scenario:
Saturday, after a nice intimate interlude, Beloved Guy says, "Uh-Oh." Beloved Girl says, "What do you mean, uh-oh?" Beloved Guy says, "A condom snafu." "Beloved Girl cringes in horror. "No condom snafu," she says, "Monday makes exactly two weeks after the first day of my last period and I have a clockwork cycle. NO CONDOM SNAFU!" Beloved Girl and Guy stare at each on the verge of tears and unremittant panic.

Hours later, Beloved Girl remembers that one of her favorite websites has a link to emergency contraception providers. Sunday morning, she wakes up hopeful. Hope is quickly dashed when she realizes that she is unfortunately in one of the states that doesn't accept prescriptions. Beloved Guy rubs her shoulders and says, "What about your doctor?." Beloved Girl's head snaps up. Of course! She just recently had a well woman exam and everything was okay. Surely it wouldn't be a problem for her doctor to call in a prescription for Plan B.

Monday morning, she calls and leaves a detailed message. Doctor doesn't return call until early afternoon. Beloved Girl explains situation again. Doctor says, "You'd probably have to come in. Why not just go to Planned Parenthhod? Call me if they can't help."

Good idea! There's a Planned Parenthood less than a half mile away. Beloved Girl and Guy run down there, hopeful smiles restored. Until Planned Parenthood rep said, "Eighty-two dollars." Okay, Beloved couple could pay, but Beloved Girl has insurance and a PCP who could just call the damned pharmacy! They left and Beloved Girl called Doctor again. No answer. Another message.

Tuesday morning. Doctor still hasn't returned call. Beloved Girl goes to another appointment. When she finishes, she goes to a local health center to inquire. Health center rep directs her right back to Planned Parenthood. Beloved Girl calls Doctor again. No answer. Another, more frantic message.

Now, Beloved Girl is from a small town and has gone to the local clinic there. She contemplates calling her godmother, who is the head nurse, and asking if the doctor there would call in a prescription for her 350 miles away. But godmother would be all up in the business!!

So Beloved Girl waits for Doctor to call. Tuesday night will make 72 hours, closing her window for EC. She may go back to Planned Parenthood and shell out the $82. She wonders briefly, though, about women don't have the $82 and who have a strangely reluctant, out-of-touch doctor.

The clock is ticking...