Yesterday’s ruling by the FDA to restrict access to Plan B One Step to those 15 years and older does not go far enough to allow access to emergency contraception to women of all ages. Millions of women need access to this safe and effective product, and the prevention of unwanted pregnancy, particularly in adolescents, should not be obstructed by paternalistic politicking. Studies have proven that emergency contraception is a safe and effective method of preventing unwanted pregnancies — and therefore abortions.
NOW calls on the Obama administration to comply with the federal court order issued April 5 by U.S. District Court Judge Edward Korman, making Plan B One Step available to women and girls of all ages without a prescription, and without identification. Requiring women to show proper documentation will hinder a very vulnerable group of women from purchasing this crucial medication — including adolescents and low-income women.
NOW activists across the country will continue to work to advance reproductive justice and defeat the forces that play politics with women’s lives.
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