Urge the FDA to Allow Women Access to Over-the-Counter Emergency Contraception

More than two years ago, Barr Laboratory submitted an application to the FDA to make Plan B available over-the-counter, without a prescription. More than 70 medical organizations, including the American Medical Association, have called on the FDA to make Plan B available over-the-counter.

By refusing to act on the application, the FDA has turned what should be a science-based decision on a drug approval into a political game. Scientists -- not politicians -- should decide the outcome in this and all over-the-counter drug applications.

Making Plan B Available Over-the-Counter Will Promote Women’s Health and Rights. The current requirement that emergency contraception only be dispensed with a doctor’s prescription acts as a significant barrier to quickly obtaining this safe and effective method of birth control. Easier and prompt access to Plan B would help prevent unintended pregnancies, reduce abortions, and promote women’s reproductive health and rights.

Science, not politics, should drive decisions on drug approval. By refusing to act on the application, the FDA has turned what should be a science-based drug approval decision into a political game. More than 70 medical organizations and the FDA’s own drug advisory committees support making Plan B available over-the-counter. Scientists -- not politicians -- should decide the outcome on Plan B and all over-the-counter drug applications.

Imposing an age restriction on access to Plan B will have a chilling effect on women of all ages. There is no medical justification for imposing age-based restrictions on Plan B. The prospect of being forced to produce identification is likely to deter women of all ages from purchasing Plan B. Plan B should be available over-the-counter to women of all ages.

Send comments now and tell the FDA that Plan B must be made available over-the-counter.