State lawmakers hear debate on 'morning after' pill
June 6, 2006
Associated Press
Tim Martin LANSING, Mich. (AP) — A bill discussed Tuesday in a state House committee hearing would keep emergency contraception available only through a prescription in Michigan, no matter what a federal government agency decides to recommend. Morning-after contraceptive pills now require a prescription, consistent with U.S. Food and Drug Administration policies. But the pill's manufacturer applied three years ago to sell the drug, called Plan B, over the counter without a prescription. The FDA has delayed decisions on the application and faces a lawsuit over the issue. Some federal Democratic lawmakers and abortion rights advocates have said the FDA's delays are due to politics. But others within the FDA have said their concerns are scientific and legal. The state House Health Policy Committee heard testimony on the issue Tuesday but did not take a vote on the legislation sponsored by state Rep. John Stahl, a Republican from North Branch. Stahl said the Michigan bill would pre-empt federal policy if the FDA decides to allow over-the-counter sales. Wendy Wright, president of Concerned Women for America, said the legislation would make sure that the pills are prescribed with proper medical oversight. She said if the FDA decides the drug could be sold over the counter, it could become available for anyone to buy at gas stations and convenience stores unless Michigan adopts a law preventing it. "Think of where you can find condoms. That is where you would find this available," said Wright, leader of the Washington-based conservative group. Others who support the bill testified that nothing would prevent underage girls from getting the pills, or from men buying the pills to give to underage girls. Groups including the American Civil Liberties Union and Planned Parenthood testified against the legislation, saying it was a method to attack women's reproductive rights. "It is not unconstitutional, but I believe it is unconscionable," said Shelli Weisberg of the Michigan ACLU. Supporters of making the pills available without a prescription say it would reduce the number of unintended pregnancies. That could save money for the state's Medicaid program and Department of Human Services if there are fewer births, according to an analysis from the nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency. ___ The emergency contraception bill is House Bill 5311.
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