HHS Secretary Overrides FDA Decision to Make Emergency Contraception More Broadly Accessible
On December 7, 2011, US Department of Health & Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced that the Department would not change its policy on availability of the Plan B One-Step emergency contraceptive, sometimes referred to as the ‘morning-after pill’. This contraceptive is currently labeled over the counter to women ages 17 years and older, but is sold behind the pharmacy counter. Currently Plan B One-Step is available by prescription for women 16 years and younger. In taking this action, Secretary Sebelius overruled the recommendation of her FDA Commissioner, Margaret A. Hamburg, MD:
http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2011pres/12/20111207a.pdf For two perspectives on the decision, go to the
US Department of Health and Human Services news room and to the
Alan Guttmacher Institute.
Pregnant and parenting minors and their families face considerable challenges. The National Partnership for Women & Families are spearheading an initiative to develop state specific practical guides to provide minors and their families of their legal rights and resources. To date, guides for North Carolina and Florida are available
here.
Note: The original news alert mischaracterized the Plan B One-step emergency contraceptive and the language above has been changed to address the error. My apologies, J.G. Lear