WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO), Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus, offered the following statement on today’s New York District Court ruling that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) violated its own established procedures when it limited access to emergency contraception to women 18 and over. The restriction was put in place under the administration of President George W. Bush.

“This is a win for science-based policies and a common-sense approach to reducing unintended pregnancies,” said DeGette. “Americans need FDA policies that are based on science, not ideology.  FDA played politics by overruling a panel of scientific experts when restricting access to this medication – a decision that was irresponsible and harmful to public health.”  

U.S. Rep. DeGette is also Vice Chair of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, which has jurisdiction over health care policy.