Judge orders FDA to stick to science with regard to Plan B

A federal judge has ordered the FDA to make Plan B, the emergency contraception that is available without a prescription, available to women as young as 17. The judge ruled that the FDA had improperly relented to political pressure from the Bush administration and ignored its own science when it established a rule that Plan B could only be sold to women 18 years of age and older.

The FDA's scientists and officials, as well as an advisory panel, found that Plan B is safe in 17 year olds. But, according to the judge, the FDA ignored its own procedures when it chose to ignore these findings. The judge also found that the FDA violated procedure when it communicated improperly with the Bush White House about Plan B, sought to appoint abortion rights foes to what was supposed to be an independent scientific advisory panel, and delayed a petition to reconsider its stance on Plan B until threatened by Congress.

The former FDA director for women's health who resigned in protest over the FDA's handling of Plan B said that the judge's actions provide hope for renewed FDA independence from the White House and a chance to "restore the scientific integrity of the F.D.A".

To be effective, Plan B must be taken within 72 hours of having sex.