Physicians Applaud Ruling Expanding Access to Emergency Contraception

“With teen birth rates increasing for the second year in a row, it is more important than ever to ensure that young women have access to emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy.”

New York, NY—The United States District Court today ruled that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) acted improperly when considering an application to make emergency contraception (EC) available without a prescription. Justice Edward R. Korman found that “the FDA repeatedly and unreasonably delayed issuing a decision” on EC, and that the agency’s denial of non-prescription access to 17-year-olds “lacks all credibility.”

The FDA has been ordered to make non-prescription EC available to women aged 17 and older within 30 days, and to reconsider the sale of EC to women of all ages. Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health issued the following statement from board chair Suzanne T. Poppema, MD, in response to today’s ruling:

“Today’s ruling restores science to its rightful place at the Food and Drug Administration. Numerous studies have shown that women of all ages can use emergency contraception safely and effectively, but political maneuvering led to unnecessary restrictions on this medication. I am grateful that the court listened to the medical experts in this case and expanded non-prescription access to 17-year-olds.

“With teen birth rates increasing for the second year in a row, it is more important than ever to ensure that young women have access to emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy. I hope that the FDA will carefully consider allowing women of all ages non-prescription access to this necessary medication.”

Doctors with expertise in emergency contraception and adolescent reproductive health are available to comment on today’s ruling.