|
|
Article: United States: over-the-counter emergency contraception denied.(North America)
- Article from:
- off our backs
- Article date:
- May 1, 2004
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2004 Off Our Backs, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
WASHINGTON, DC -- In May 2004, the Food and Drug Administration rejected over-the-counter status for the emergency contraceptive Plan B, also known as the "morning after" pill. This decision ignores the recommendation made by a FDA advisory panel, which voted 23-4 in favor of making the drug available on drug store shelves.
Women's organizations are calling this decision a major public health setback. According to Dr. Vanessa Cullins, vice president for Medical Affairs at Planned Parenthood, Plan B meets all FDA criteria for over-the-counter status and there is no reason to restrict access to this safe, effective back-up.
According to the Feminist ...