Abortion Advocates Push Litmus Test for FDA Nominee

Politics and a radical pro-abortion agenda are a dangerous combination, especially when used to force the approval of an over-the-counter abortificient. A few Senators are tying the acceptance of President Bush's nominee to head the FDA to the approval of the so-called "morning after pill". From Lifenews:

Leading abortion advocates in the Senate are placing a hold on the approval of President Bush's nominee to head the Food and Drug Administration because of delays in approving the morning after pill for over the counter status. Democrats Hillary Clinton, of New York, and Patty Murray, of Washington, says Lester Crawford should not be approved as the new FDA chief until there is a ruling on Barr Pharmaceuticals request to sell the sometimes abortion drug to women over the age of 16 without a doctor's visit.

Barr stands to increase profits if their drug is approved for sale without requiring a doctor's prescription. While most companies have to prove their drug can be used safely by consumers, especially children, Barr has the backing of the radical pro-abortion community which is attempting to force approval despite safety concerns.

LifeSiteNews previously reported,

Ignoring all scientific evidence pointing to the risks for women associated with the abortion-causing pill Clinton blasted FDA hesitation to approve the drug for unbridled access saying, "I am hopeful that we will reverse what appears to be a dangerous slide into political opinion rather than scientific evidence."

Plan B manufacturer, Barr Laboratories, was denied a first attempt at over-the-counter status last year. The FDA said they would reconsider Barr's request if the company restricted sales of the chemical abortifacient to girls age 16 and older.

Unfortunately, the approval of Plan B is not being delayed due to its known abortificient properties and obvious danger to the unborn. Rather, Crawford suggests that the delay was the result of a complicated and unique application resulting in labeling difficulties.

Nevertheless, the use of political might in an attempt to force the approval of a drug, despite concerns related to its use, is appalling. The situation is made markedly worse due to the nature of the drug being promoted and its acute danger to the unborn and their mothers.