NOW Protests FDA with National Day of Action on Emergency Contraception

August 29, 2005

The National Organization for Women (NOW) will hold a National Day of Action on Tuesday, August 30, to protest the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) repeated refusal to approve emergency contraception for over-the-counter use.

NOW chapters across the country will be holding events to demand that FDA Commissioner Lester Crawford stop denying women non-prescription access to Plan B, also known as the morning after pill. In Washington, D.C., activists will be demonstrating outside the Health and Human Services building.

Who: National Organization for Women activists Kim Gandy, NOW President
What: National Day of Action on Emergency Contraception
When: Tuesday, August 30, 12:00 noon
Where: Outside U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C.

Emergency contraception is proven safe and effective in helping women prevent unplanned pregnancies, and unrestricted access will ultimately reduce the need for abortion. Crawford also made clear in his Aug. 26 announcement that young women under the age of 17 will be excluded from any decision that allows Plan B to be sold over-the-counter.

"This is just another in a long line of decisions that make women's health secondary to right-wing politics," said NOW President Kim Gandy. "This administration is determined to turn the FDA into an arm of the Republican Party—carrying out the fondest desires of Bush allies who oppose women's use of contraception."

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For Immediate Release
Contact: Mai Shiozaki, 202-628-8669, ext. 116; cell 202-641-1906

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