NCJW Deeply Troubled by FDA Nomination

March 21, 2006, Washington, DC -- The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is deeply troubled by President Bush's decision to elevate Dr. Andrew C. von Eschenbach from acting to permanent head of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This nomination is especially disturbing in light of today's designation as Back Up Your Birth Control Day -- an event that highlights the need to make emergency contraception easily available to all women. NCJW President Phyllis Snyder released the following statement:

"Dr. Andrew von Eschenbach has served as acting head of the FDA since September 2005, and in that capacity he is the latest in a line of FDA officials to play a role in delaying approval of the emergency contraceptive "Plan B." Despite overwhelming favorable recommendations by both a scientific advisory panel and the FDA's own scientists, under Dr. von Eschenbach's leadership, the FDA has failed to meet a recent statutory deadline for a decision on whether Plan B can become an over-the-counter drug.

"Denying access to Plan B has a real impact on real women with real health concerns. Plan B can protect women from pregnancies resulting from contraceptive failure or unprotected sex, including pregnancies from rape or incest. Efforts to limit access to Plan B jeopardize the health and safety of women and undermine their right to control their own bodies.

"This point is especially clear today: Back Up Your Birth Control Day. NCJW is proud to co-sponsor Back Up Your Birth Control Day, the highlight of a month-long campaign to focus public attention on the need for emergency contraception education and access.

"NCJW urges Dr. von Eschenbach, as acting head of the FDA, to demonstrate a commitment to women's health and safety by immediately facilitating the approval of Plan B. And NCJW calls upon the Senate, as part of its deliberations on Dr. von Eschenbach's confirmation, to hold him accountable for the delay in releasing this important emergency contraception."

NCJW is a volunteer organization, inspired by Jewish values, that works to improve the quality of life for women, children, and families and to ensure individual rights and freedoms for all through its network of 90,000 members, supporters, and volunteers nationwide.

Contact:
Vanessa Schnaidt
212 645 4048 x179; vschnaidt@ncjw.org