On December 7, HHS Secretary Sebelius over-ruled the FDA's science-based decision to allow over-the-counter sales of Plan B emergency contraception on the grounds that it is safe and effective for use by all individuals without restriction. Doing so blocks access to demonstrably safe contraception for women everywhere. Young women who do not have insurance or access to healthcare for prescriptions are not able to stop an unwanted pregnancy before it begins when in need of emergency contraception. This can only promote unwanted teenage pregnancies and abortions, as well as increased healthcare costs and lost productivity from young mothers fighting poverty. Please reverse this short-sighted decision, which contradicts good science, and good sense.



