On Friday, August 26, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) called for public input on the question of whether Plan B, the morning-after pill, can be safely sold to adolescents 16 years-old and over without a prescription, while requiring a prescription for those under sixteen. Pro-Life Wisconsin is urging its supporters to contact both the President and the FDA to oppose easy access to the Plan B regimen.
"The FDA should never have approved this regimen in the first place. Regardless of age, the morning-after pill has the potential of preventing implantation of a newly formed life. This is an early chemical abortion and our government should not be in the business of endorsing abortion causing drugs," said Peggy Hamill, State Director of Pro-life Wisconsin. "Studies have shown that easy access to the morning-after pill does not decrease underage pregnancy, abortion or sexually transmitted diseases. In fact, there are studies showing that it increases them by encouraging sexual promiscuity."
Last year, the FDA refused to grant over-the-counter-status, sighting incomplete data on the impact of easy access to the morning-after pill on adolescents. Barr Laboratories new application requests that the drug be made available to anyone age 16 and over, but would require a prescription for children under 16-years-old.
"It is impossible to enforce this marketing scheme," said Hamill. "An adult male could easily buy this drug for a thirteen year-old he is abusing. In addition, there are known health risks associated with this drug. With other drugs, a sixteen-year-old girl is going to naturally consult with an adult if something goes wrong. When your dealing with teen sex, the secrecy around this issue is going to keep a young teenager from getting help if she needs it."
Pro-Life Wisconsin is urging concerned citizens to call FDA Commissioner Lester Crawford and President Bush to urge them to reject Barr Pharmaceuticals application for over-the-counter sale.
Contact the White House by calling (202) 456-1111. FDA Commissioner Crawford may be contacted at (301) 827-2410 or by e-mail: commissioner@FDA.gov.
Source: Pro-Life Wisconsin Press Release
