On August 1, the Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pension (HELP) committee held a hearing on the nomination of Dr. Andrew von Eschenbach, currently the Acting Commissioner of the FDA, to become the permanent head of the organization. Senators praised von Eschenbach's qualifications but questioned his ability to make medically sound decisions free of political pressure from the White House and anti-woman fundamentalists. Senators Clinton (D-N.Y.) and Murray (D-Wash.) promised to continue their hold on the nomination until the FDA makes a decision on the approval of Emergency Contraception (EC) for sale as a non-prescription drug.
To add fuel to the fire, the FDA issued a statement on July 31 that they were considering approving EC for behind-the-counter sales to women 18 and over. Not good enough, stated many Democratic senators at the HELP hearing. NOW agrees!
Before the Senate adjourns on August 4, we will be delivering petitions to Senators Clinton and Murray encouraging them to keep their hold on von Eschenbach's nomination. PLEASE ADD YOUR NAME BEFORE 8:00 AM ON FRIDAY AUGUST 4!
Please sign the petition today and then tell a friend.
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