Media

For Immediate Release:
August 31, 2005

Contact: Adrienne Verrilli
at: 212-819-9770 x325

Ideology Trumps Science, Yet Again

FDA Postpones Decision on Granting Plan B Emergency Contraception Over-the-Counter Status, FDA's Office of Women's Health Director Quits in Protest

Washington, DC - After months of delay, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), under the oversight of the Bush Administration, broke its promise to America's women and once again postponed a decision on whether to reclassify Plan B emergency contraception (EC) to over-the-counter (OTC) status. The FDA's own independent advisory committees and expert staff, as well as the nation's leading medical organizations, all overwhelming support granting OTC status to Plan B emergency contraception. Unfortunately, the FDA continues to bow to pressure from conservative forces and to turn drug approval into a political process.

Emergency contraceptive pills are a responsible, effective way to prevent pregnancy in situations where a woman's regular method has failed. If taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse, EC reduces the risk of pregnancy by up to 89 percent. The sooner a woman takes EC, the better it works. It is estimated that unhindered access to this form of contraception will cut unintended pregnancies in the U.S. by half.

"The current Plan B application clearly meets the FDA's requirements for over-the-counter status. Nonetheless the agency continues to drag its feet," said William Smith , vice president for public policy at SIECUS. "It is truly shameful when a product that could transform the lives and futures of women is withheld because politics trump the opinions of our nation's medical experts," Smith continued.

In the wake of this indecision, Susan Wood , a leading advocate for women's health and scientific integrity, resigned today from her position as Director of the Office of Women's Health at the FDA. In a statement, Dr. Wood explained "I can no longer serve as staff when scientific and clinical evidence, fully evaluated and recommended for approval by the professional staff here, has been overruled." Dr. Wood's resignation is effective immediately.

"It is a disgrace that a scientist like Dr. Wood would feel that she does not have a place in a government agency whose purpose is to fairly and accurately weigh scientific evidence in order to promote and preserve public health," Smith said. "SIECUS applauds Dr. Wood for her bold decision and hopes this extreme action will help the FDA realize that it must change its ways immediately," he continued.

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