Commentary

NOW Applauds Plan B Decision


Statement of NOW President Terry O’Neill

Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–April 5, 2013.  NOW applauds today’s ruling by a federal judge ordering the Food and Drug Administration to make Plan B (the “morning after” pill) available to women and girls of all ages without prescription. Millions of women need access to this safe and effective product, and the prevention of unwanted pregnancy, particularly in adolescents, should not be obstructed by paternalistic politicking.

The FDA originally supported making emergency contraception available over-the-counter with no age restriction, but the Obama administration stepped in to insist that women and girls under the age of 17 must have a prescription. In today’s decision, U.S. District Judge Edward Korman acknowledged a woman’s right to “obtain contraceptives without unjustified and burdensome restrictions.” After a decade of wrangling over access to Plan B, it is a relief to see common sense and science-based medicine win the day.

Motivated by this victory, NOW activists across the country will continue to work to advance reproductive justice and defeat the radical right forces that play politics with women’s lives.

Source: now.org

 


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