Last month, a federal judge issued a legally and scientifically sound decision by repealing the age restriction on Plan B emergency contraception and its generic equivalents, calling for it to be made available on open shelves in supermarkets, convenience stores, and pharmacies, without identification requirements. We were thrilled. Last night, however, the Department of Justice announced that it would appeal this decision, ignoring the consensus of the medical community.

Our board chair-elect, Dr. Nancy Stanwood, expressed our disappointment with this appeal: “Plan B has a time limit, and too many women in the U.S. have gone without it because of unfair, unnecessary, and medically unjustified barriers to access. Physicians for Reproductive Health continues its call for the repeal of all point-of-sale restrictions on emergency contraception. This political saga needs to end. Women deserve better.” Read her full statement here.

Leadership Training Academy alumna Dr. Tracey Wilkinson (right) spoke to Free Speech Radio News about the impact that age restrictions and ID requirements have on everyone--not just teens. Dr. Wilkinson also noted, in a letter to the Los Angeles Times, “Medical opinion is solidly united that this medication is safe for women of all ages, and research shows women know when and how to take it. There is simply no scientific reason to fight Plan B going over-the-counter for all women.”» Read More

In this year’s State of the State Address, New York governor Andrew Cuomo introduced the Women’s Equality Act (WEA), a 10-point plan to improve and advance New York women’s health and rights.

One key part of the WEA is the governor’s proposal to bring New York state law in line with Roe v. Wade and current standards of medical care, ensuring that  New York women today and for generations to come will have the ability to make private health care decisions that are best for their health and well-being and that of their families.

We’re thrilled that Gov. Cuomo is making New York women’s health and equality a priority in 2013 and we’re telling him so. Please join us in thanking him today!» Read More

Leadership Training Academy Fellow Dr. Colleen McNicholas is fighting a proposed restriction in Missouri that would place unfair burdens on women who want medication abortions. She writes about it on the National Partnership for Women and Families blog:

In addition to creating significant barriers for women, [Senate Bill] 175—and bills just like it appearing in legislatures across the country—are medically unjustified and unnecessary. They are an inappropriate intrusion into the doctor-patient relationship and completely disregard patient autonomy, a cornerstone of medical ethics. There is no legitimate medical reason for these restrictions, leading me to conclude that the real purpose behind bills like SB 175 is to discourage women from using a safe, effective, and legal method of early abortion.

Read Dr. McNicholas’ article, “Medication Abortion Restrictions Hurt My Patients.”» Read More