Cardinal backs morning-after pill as Catholic hospitals reject rape victim
Cardinal Joachim Meisner of Cologne, an ally of Pope Benedict, changed his policy after two Catholic hospitals in Cologne refused to treat a rape victim as they would not prescribe the pill, which is taken after sex to avoid pregnancy.
The Catholic Church firmly opposes abortion and artificial birth control. Many Catholics see all emergency contraceptives as abortion-inducing drugs banned by this policy, but Cardinal Meisner said some prevent fertilisation and could be used in cases of rape.