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Smith Reacts to FDA Decision on Morning-After Pill Minimal prescription protection must be retained; Doctors need be part of process |
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Smith cited the official Label Comprehension Study (LCS) that reported 33% of women surveyed did not understand from the morning-after pill label that Plan B was intended only as a backup method of contraception. In addition, 19% did not realize the importance of obtaining a medical evaluation if they experienced severe abdominal pain. The morning-after pill also acts as an abortifacient by destroying a human embryo or preventing that fully formed embryo to implant. Smith also spoke of the dangers of removing the guidance and treatment of a doctor when obtaining the morning-after pill. Teenagers would be able to obtain Plan B without a medical evaluation or follow-up. Clinical monitoring and the follow-up needed to address the risks of ectopic pregnancy a potentially fatal condition would be eliminated. In addition, STD screening, treatment and prevention would decrease. By removing the prescription requirement, this drug seven or eight times more powerful than a birth control pill would be available to adolescents without protection. For parents across this country, I will do all that I can to keep these pills out of the hands adolescents without the knowledge and guidance of a doctor or trained medical professional, Smith concluded. | ||
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For Immediate Release: August 26, 2005 Contact: Brad Dayspring (202) 225-3765 |
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