FDA move toward approving over-the-counter sales of Plan B criticized

Published: 2006-08-01

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- A move by the Food and Drug Administration toward making the morning-after pill available over the counter could damage women's health and put more pressure on pharmacists conscientiously opposed to dispensing the drug, according to the U.S. bishops' pro-life spokeswoman. The FDA announced July 31 that it would work with Duramed, a subsidiary of Barr Pharmaceuticals that manufactures the drug marketed as Plan B, to develop a "framework for moving emergency contraception medication to over-the-counter status" for women 18 and older. Deirdre McQuade, director of planning and information for the bishops' Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities, criticized the FDA's decision in a July 31 statement. Plan B uses large doses of birth-control pills to prevent conception up to 72 hours after unprotected sex. "But even its proponents admit that it works both before and after conception," McQuade said, adding that many women are "unaware of (the pills') abortifacient action." McQuade also said FDA approval of over-the-counter sales would "place additional pressure on pharmacists who conscientiously object to dispensing drugs that kill humans at their earliest stages of development." Barr Pharmaceuticals originally had sought approval for over-the-counter sales of Plan B to anyone 16 or over.

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