Today, the FDA refused to grant approval to Barr Laboratories’ application for over-the-counter status for Plan B®, commonly known as emergency contraception (EC). The application would have allowed women seventeen years and older to access Plan B® without a prescription.

Laurie Lowenstein, Executive Director of NARAL Pro-Choice New Jersey said, “Politics has trumped science at the Bush FDA. Clear medical evidence and the advice of countless experts has left no dispute that emergency contraception is safe and effective enough for use by all women without a prescription. Today’s ruling is clearly based on partisan politics, not medical facts.

If the Bush FDA will not heed the recommendations of its own advisors, it is incumbent upon the state of New Jersey to do so, by acting to ensure that women have access to this important method of pregnancy prevention. That is why, through the new Emergency Contraception Access Campaign, NARAL Pro-Choice New Jersey, along with public health advocates, medical professionals and community organizations around the state, will work with the New Jersey State Legislature to pursue a “behind-the-counter” access initiative and establish EC educational programs that expand knowledge of EC in New Jersey. ”

Contact: Laurie Lowenstein, Executive Director
ProChoiceNJ@ProChoiceNJ.org
609.581.7171