The FDA, Politics, and Plan B

The recent decision by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to postpone a decision on the proposal to switch levonorgestrel emergency contraception (sold under the brand name Plan B) to over-the-counter status suggests that the FDA's decision-making process is being influenced by political considerations. The data overwhelmingly demonstrate that emergency contraception is safe and effective when available without a prescription. Moreover, the evidence shows that the availability of emergency contraception does not result in a change in the usual behavior or contraceptive practices of the women who are its potential users. A treatment for any other condition, from hangnail to . . .