Abstract

TAKING CARE OF PLAN B

The author questions whether a new form of emergency contraception under consideration by the FDA will get a fair hearing given the views of the panel members who must approve the drug. On December 16, two Food and Drug Administration panels will make a decision that could revolutionize unwanted pregnancy prevention. The Reproductive Health Drugs and Nonprescription Drugs advisory committees will consider Barr Laboratories' request to make its Plan B emergency contraception available over the counter. Studies show OTC emergency contraception is safe, does not discourage regular contraceptive use and could cut in half the 50 percent of pregnancies that are unplanned. But can Plan B get a fair hearing when three members of the eleven-member Reproductive Health Drugs committee believe contraceptives promote illicit sex?