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"Science and politics"
02/16/2004 Entry
[See this entry - including comments - at Crooked Timber.]
Those interested in reproductive health and rights probably already know that back in December an advisory panel of the Food and Drug Administration recommended that the “morning after” pill be sold over the counter (OTC). The easy availability of such emergency contraception (EC) could reduce unwanted pregnancies significantly. Unfortunately, the issue is now running up against political hurdles.
Opponents suggest that easy access to “Plan B” would lead to an increase in sexually transmitted diseases because people would take protection less seriously. However, studies have shown that easier access to contraceptives of this sort does not necessarily lead to change in the level of sexual activity or protections used against STDs.
For those concerned about abortion issues, please note that EC does not cause abortion, rather, it prevents pregnancy in the first place. So for those who are against abortion, supporting EC should be an obvious choice since by preventing unwanted pregnancies it is likely to reduce the number of abortions as well.
Since the efficacy of this pill is closely tied to its prompt use, requiring women to see a physician in order to get it is a big barrier to its use and utility. Evidence shows all the ways in which this switch to OTC availability would be beneficial. EC is already available without a prescription in thirty countries and in Israel, Norway and Sweden it is sold OTC. A decision about its US availability is expected next week unless the FDA asks for an extension in which case we may have to wait another few months.
2 Jackson RA, Schwarz EB, Freedman L, Darney P. Advance supply of emergency contraception : effect on use and usual contraception―a randomized trial. Obstet Gynecol 2003;102:8-16.
Glasier A, Baird D. The effects of self-administering emergency contraception. N Engl J Med 1998;339:1-4.
Raine T, Harper C, Leon K, Darney P. Emergency contraception: advance provision in a young, high-risk clinic population. Obstet Gynecol 2000;96:1-7.
Results from other related studies are forthcoming.
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