Finally, FDA Ends Political Posturing, Allows Over-the-Counter Access to “Morning-After” Pill
For Immediate Release
August 24, 2006 Finally, FDA Ends Political Posturing, Allows Over-the-Counter Access to “Morning-After” Pill
Pro-Choice Group Warns: Battle not over here in MichiganLansing, MI – Rebekah Warren, Executive Director of MARAL Pro-Choice Michigan, applauded the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) long overdue decision to grant over-the-counter status to the emergency contraceptive Plan B ®, also known as the “morning-after” pill. However, distribution restrictions were placed on women under the age of eighteen. “Finally the FDA put sound science before politics and made this safe, effective birth-control option more accessible to women,” said Warren. “Polling shows that the American public overwhelmingly supports increased access to the “morning-after” pill as a way to prevent unintended pregnancy and reduce the need for abortion.” The age restriction means the medication will not reach who need it, even though evidence of Plan B’s safety is overwhelming. Experts like the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended the medication be available for women of all ages. The effect of the Bush Administration’s extreme anti-choice policies is that many teens will have to face an unintended pregnancy that could have been prevented with timely access to EC. The Bush Administration’s interference in the FDA’s process is part of a larger effort by right-wing extremists to politicize science and limit access to birth control. Warren warned, “While this is a victory for women throughout the country, here in Michigan the battle is far from over. Earlier this year the Michigan Legislature already began to move legislation to ban over-the-counter access to the “morning-after” pill, even if it were to be approved by the FDA. Extremists in the Michigan Legislature continue to work to prevent women from accessing necessary medications, preventing unintended pregnancies, and reducing the need for abortions.” Added Warren, “MARAL Pro-Choice Michigan will continue to work to ensure that Plan B is affordable and accessible for all women in the state.” Emergency contraception is a high dose of ordinary birth control pills that, if taken within 72-120 hours after sexual intercourse, is highly effective at preventing pregnancy. It has no effect on an existing pregnancy. For more information, please contact Kelly Hamilton, Political Director of MARAL Pro-Choice Michigan, at 517-327-4707.
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