How long will politics trump science?

By Amplify_Staff

Dec 7, 2012

A year ago today, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius took the unprecedented step of overriding the FDA’s recommendation to make Plan B emergency contraception available over-the-counter without age restrictions.  That’s right – scientists recommended the over-the-counter status, finding the drug safe for young women under 17. But the Obama administration denied it, ignoring the evidence in favor of politics.

Join us in taking action:

• Sign the petition: Tell Secretary Sebelius to make Plan B available over the counter without age restrictions
• Tweet about it TODAY, RIGHT NOW.

A broad coalition of medical professionals and advocates is sponsoring a petition to urge Secretary Sebelius to revisit the evidence and remove the restrictions.  Please sign and share with friends!

Then join us and others in a “twitter flurry” directed at HHS throughout the day – let them know we haven’t forgotten and we want action!

Sample tweets:

@HHSGov It’s been a year since you let politics trump science on emergency contraception. It’s time to put women’s health first. #ECOTC

@HHSGov Birth control isn’t a “convenience”; it’s necessary 4 health. Revisit the evidence and remove the EC age restrictions. #ECOTC

Dear@HHSGov emergency contraception has been proven safe for young people. The age restriction is just wrong. #ECOTC

During his 2009 Inauguration speech, President Obama said, “We will restore science to its rightful place.”  And since a year ago, the science has only gotten stronger, with the American Academy of Pediatrics now recommending that doctors routinely talk about EC with teens and provide them with prescriptions as needed.

Tell Secretary Sebelius to stick to the President’s commitment and follow the science: make emergency contraception available over-the-counter without restriction!