Cardinal backs morning-after pill as Catholic hospitals reject rape victim

The Catholic Church in Germany is considering approving some morning-after pills for rape victims after a leading cardinal said the pills did not induce abortions and could be used in Catholic hospitals.

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.