FDA is Taken Back to Court on Emergency Contraception

Today, the Center for Reproductive Rights filed a motion for contempt of court against the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It has been over a year and a half since a federal court ordered the FDA to reconsider the baseless age restriction placed on emergency contraception. Yet since the court order, the FDA has done nothing, compromising scientific integrity and turning its back on women’s health needs.

As a reminder, emergency contraception is currently available without a prescription only for individuals 17 and older. Girls 16 or younger still need to get a prescription in order to obtain this time-sensitive medication that prevents pregnancy. This age restriction is unnecessary, since there is no medical or scientific rationale. Medical evidence shows that the emergency contraceptive products currently on the market are safe and effective back-up contraceptive options for women of all ages. Even the FDA’s own reviewers and advisory committee agreed that no age restriction is necessary.

It is imperative that the FDA act now and reconsider its age restriction on emergency contraception. If a young woman realizes she needs to prevent a pregnancy, she doesn’t need worries or delays. She needs fast, simple access to EC.