FDA made mistake by allowing Plan B

Imagine my surprise upon hearing the FDA made Plan B available to 17-year-olds without a prescription last month. Here are some facts on Plan B, otherwise known as the morning-after pill (MAP). The MAP lacks testing for safety for women. Access to the drug over the counter would put consumers who have unknown medical conditions at grave risk for life-threatening complications, including death. MAP promoters have been found guilty of overstating the efficacy of the drug and understating the risks to women. The World Health Organization has warned, "there may be a higher percentage of ectopic pregnancies among emergency contraceptive pill failure than among a normal pregnant population." In fact, the Plan B manufacturer admits the MAP can cause the death of an embryo 70 to 89 percent of the time, which makes the MAP more of an abortifacient than a contraceptive.

Why are we not concerned about the following risks to adolescents and WHERE are the parents? Random studies show that men are the most frequent buyers of the MAP leading most people to believe they buy these pills for underage girls to protect their criminal activities, i.e. statutory rape. The MAP encourages multiple sex partners, putting people at risk for an increase in sexually transmitted diseases. In fact, countries that allow easy access to MAP experience a significant increase in STDs. The number of surgical abortions has not declined and in some countries abortions have increased. The most important reason not to have Plan B made available without prescription is that the MAP is FOUR times stronger than the birth control pill. In order to obtain the birth control pill, a woman must see a physician and have a medical examination because birth control pills are contraindicated for women with diabetes, liver problems, heart disease, breast cancer, clots in the legs and for women who smoke (more and more adolescents are smoking).

The FDA decision is a complete disregard for parental rights and the safety of minors.

Bonnie Quirke, RN

Libertyville