NCJW Applauds Release of Plan B Emergency Contraception, But Not Restrictions

August 24, 2006, Washington, DC -- The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) today applauded the long-delayed decision of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to make the Plan B emergency contraceptive available without a prescription, but pledged to continue to work to remove the 18-and-over age limit on its distribution. NCJW President Phyllis Snyder released the following statement:

"NCJW is extremely pleased with today's decision by the Food and Drug Administration on Plan B, a decision that marks the conclusion of the first phase in a long battle to win over-the-counter access to this highly effective emergency contraceptive. The lengthy, politically motivated delay that has defined this case has been unconscionable.

"NCJW worked hard as part of a broad coalition, rallying our own grassroots as well as members of the interfaith community, to push the FDA to put science above ideology. This victory shows what can be accomplished by united constituent action. And thanks are due to those members of the House and Senate who aided in this effort.

"However, the decision by the FDA to limit access to Plan B to those 18 and older must be overturned. No other over-the-counter contraceptive measure is so restricted. There is no evidence that younger teens are more likely to engage in sex because of the availability of Plan B or that Plan B is less safe for them. However, we do know that pregnancy poses a significantly higher health risk to teenaged girls and to their babies.

"NCJW will continue to press for over-the-counter access to Plan B for women of all ages and to work to achieve comprehensive access to necessary reproductive health care for women."

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