Politics at Play at the FDA; FDA's Refusal to Make Emergency Contraception Available Over-the-Counter 'Inexcusable'

5/7/2004

From: Bill Barker of the Advocates for Youth, 202-419-3420

WASHINGTON, May 7 -- James Wagoner, president of Advocates for Youth, today criticized the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for caving to ultra-conservative pressure and refusing over-the-counter access to emergency contraception (EC).

"Quite frankly, this action is inexcusable," said Wagoner. "Emergency contraception has the potential to prevent 400,000 teen pregnancies and 124,000 teen abortions each year. Promoting EC represents common sense and common ground. Opposing it represents the triumph of politics and ideology over public health."

Advocates for Youth joined more than 70 medical and public health groups that support making Plan B available over the counter, giving more young women a chance to get this back-up birth control method in time for it to work.

According to the FDA, the reasons for refusal were related to safety concerns regarding young women. However, in December 2003, after reviewing all available research, two FDA expert advisory panels ruled the pills safe for use without a prescription, and overwhelmingly recommended approval of over- the-counter EC by a 23-to-4 vote.

"Advocates for Youth is especially sensitive to how wider access to emergency contraception will affect young women," continued Wagoner. "As an organization dedicated to promoting young people's reproductive and sexual health, we believe policies should be based on medical evidence, not election-year politics."

"Studies show that greater access to emergency contraception makes it more likely young women will use it early, when it works best. Research also shows that teenagers understand EC is a back-up option. Having it on hand does not increase the chances they'll have unprotected sex or use their regular birth control method less often."

"There's also no evidence that use of EC is associated with an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections. At the same time, researchers and medical professionals have long documented the potentially harmful impact an unintended pregnancy can have on teenagers, their families, and their future."

"Given these findings, the FDA's decision to deny over-the- counter status for emergency contraception appears motivated more by politics than public health," concluded Wagoner. "Advocates for Youth will continue to support over-the-counter access to Plan B without restrictions -- and remains committed to encouraging young people to turn to health care providers and other trusted adults in their lives when they have questions about sex, relationships, and sexual health."