Put Plan B on Pharmacy Shelves
According to the New York Times, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has overruled the scientists at the Food and Drug Administration, refusing to allow emergency contraceptives to be sold on pharmacy shelves. Currently, the pill is kept behind pharmacist's counters, and women must present proof that they are at least 17 to obtain Plan B without a prescription.
Sign this petition to tell Sebelius that overruling the FDA is good for no one.
Placing the pill on shelves would make more women aware of the availability of emergency contraception and will allow young women direct access to the pill, which is particularly important in cases of rape. Allowing Plan B to be sold on shelves would also make it more affordable, which is especially important for young women and impoverished women.
No health secretary has ever overruled the FDA before. Now is not the time to start. Sign now to tell Kathleen Sebelius to allow the sale of Plan B on pharmacy and supermarket shelves.
We the undersigned urge you to retract your interference with the FDA's decision to make Plan B available on drugstore and supermarket shelves without a prescription. Placing the pill on shelves would make more women aware of the availability of emergency contraception and will allow young women direct access to the pill, which is particularly important in cases of rape. Allowing Plan B to be sold on shelves would also make it more affordable, which is especially important for young women and impoverished women. Please do not delay the decision further; allow the sale of Plan B on pharmacy and supermarket shelves.
