Pro-Choice Caucus Urges FDA Approval of Over the Counter Sales of Plan B Emergency Contraception

November 1st Marked End of Public Comment Period on Fate of Drug

Washington, DC - Today, the co-chairs of the 109^th Bipartisan Pro-Choice Caucus, Representatives Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY-28), Diana DeGette (D-CO-1), Rob Simmons (R-CT-2), and Judy Biggert (R-Il-13), issued the following statement in reaction to the end of the public comment period on the over-the-counter sale of the emergency contraception drug Plan B:

"Today, we again call on the FDA to approve the over-the-counter sale of emergency contraception drugs to our citizens.

Every day in America, thousands of women find themselves contending with unplanned pregnancies.  If EC drugs like Plan B were readily available, they would help to prevent 1.7 million pregnancies and 800,000 abortions every year in the United States alone.

Emergency contraception drugs, such as Plan B, have been proven to be safe and to successfully prevent pregnancy if taken in a timely manner. No correlation has been established linking promiscuity and the availability of EC drugs, and objective, scientific bodies, including the FDA's own impartial and highly regarded Advisory Panel, have definitively stated that EC can be effectively and safely used by women of all age groups.

Now is not the time for politics. Now is the time to translate the respected opinions of scientific professionals into action. Now is the time to take a stand for the rights of the women of our nation."    

On August 26^th, the Food and Drug Administration delayed its previously promised decision on whether to approve over-the-counter sales of Plan B. This decision has been delayed for more than 20 months.