F.D.A. Shifts View on Next-Day Pill

[cal04]

The Food and Drug Administration said yesterday that it was moving toward endorsing sale of the morning-after pill without a prescription for women 18 and older, signaling what may be the end of one of the most stubborn health policy debates of the Bush administration.

The agency’s acting commissioner, Dr. Andrew von Eschenbach, asked the drug’s manufacturer, Barr Pharmaceuticals, for a meeting to complete plans that would allow the over-the-counter sale of the emergency contraceptive, called Plan B. In a statement, the F.D.A. said it hoped “the process can be wrapped up in a matter of weeks.”

While the agency’s letter to Barr was not a final approval, both the F.D.A. and the company expressed optimism about the drug’s future.

An agency spokeswoman, Susan Bro, said the move was intended to bring “this particular issue to a conclusion,” and a federal health official said the agency was committed to making the drug available over the counter.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/01/health/01pill.html?hp&ex=1154404800&en=269868336989bad4&ei=5094&partner=homepage

[Erika]

1. They've been under extreme pressure by PP and others

to quit stalling on this issue and get the product out there for over the counter availability. W's ultra right wing appointees are responsible for the stalling on a "moral" basis.

For the coming election, the GOP is trying to become moderates. Sure. Elect these right wing nuts again and their next step will be to outlaw birth control in the name of women and family health.

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

2. I'll believe it when I see it. Otherwise, I'm cynically thinking this is

another "fire up the base" issue, to remind the fundy crazies that the wimmen folk might just be able to have sex without pregnancy. MKJ

[crim son]

3. That is the first good news in a while.

And it's huge. With one step, we could cut down on unwanted pregnancies, unwanted children and abortions. A miracle.

[Warpy]

4. Yeah, moving like molasses in January

while women are faced with the prospect of an unnecessary surgical abortion or bringing an unwanted pregnancy to term, both of which carry unacceptable risks in comparison to the morning after pill.

Oh, well, they're only women, right? Who cares?

[Lindacooks]

5. Flip Flop!!

Of course, this will never be mentioned in any Dem ads as Repuke wishy-washiness.