In the News
June 2009
**Update: June 2009**
In order for the FDA’s April 22 decision to allow 17-year olds OTC access to Plan B, the manufacturer, Duramed - a subsidiary of Teva Pharmaceuticals, Inc. - must relabel the product to reflect the change in OTC availability to 17 year-olds.
Read our April 22, 2009, press statement for more information.
Statement by Belle Taylor-McGhee, President and CEO, Pacific Institute for Women’s Health, on FDA’s Decision to Follow Court Ruling To Open Up Access To Plan B Emergency Contraception
“FDA Agrees To Do The Right Thing”
(Los Angeles/Oakland, CA) - The Pacific Institute for Women’s Health (PIWH) applauds the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) decision to end the senseless delays to allow over-the-counter access to Plan B emergency contraception to 17 year olds. The FDA restricted access to consumers 18 and older two years ago despite its own scientific advisory committee’s conclusion that Plan B is safe for women of all ages.
After a federal court ordered the FDA earlier this month to rethink its earlier action, the women’s health community had hoped that the FDA would not appeal and do the right thing. Today’s FDA decision to do just that is long overdue. Now 17 year olds can get Plan B without a prior prescription. Yet we are still mindful that women under 17 must still have a prescription to get Plan B – despite lack of scientific evidence that a prior prescription is medically necessary.
Full access to all women in preventing unintended pregnancy is a goal that we will not let go. PIWH will continue to advocate for unrestricted access to Plan B for all women – regardless of age. Meanwhile, certified pharmacists in California and eight other states (AK, HI, MA, ME, WA, VT, NH, NM) continue to provide Plan B without a prior prescription from a doctor or clinic.
For more information please visit our website at www.piwh.org.
Dr. George Tiller
(Los Angeles/Oakland, CA) - The Pacific Institute for Women's Health extends our most profound condolences to the family and clinician staff of Dr. George Tiller, a tireless advocate that since the 1970’s did not waiver in his valor to provide women and girls with the highest quality of reproductive health care.
Dr. Tiller was assassinated in cold blood yesterday in front of his Wichita, Kansas, church as morning services began. Among the many life saving procedures that Dr Tiller offered women, he was one of the few physicians in the country to provide late-term abortions. He had been continuously targeted by anti-choice advocates and had already survived a previous attempt on his life in 1993 when he was shot in both arms. His staff and patients were routinely harassed and his clinic was recently vandalized. The clinic was also bombed in 1986, although Dr. Tiller was not injured in that incident.
As women’s health advocates we must all stand together to support women and girls – all over the world – who depend on the courage and commitment of doctors, like Dr. Tiller, to give them life-saving reproductive health services. Let it be known, that this act of terrorism will not hinder or stunt our quest for safe and accessible sexual and reproductive health care services.
April 2009
Court Ruling on Plan B
On March 23, 2009, a federal court ruled that the 2006 FDA decision to limit over-the-counter (OTC) access to Plan B emergency contraception to women over 18 put politics before women’s health. The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York ordered the FDA to act within 30 days to extend OTC access to 17-year-olds.
Quite pointedly, the U.S. district court exposed the FDA’s 2006 decision for what it truly was – shortsighted and ill-advised.
March 2009
New and improved female condom approved by FDA
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the FC2 female condom, a lower-cost, second generation product manufactured by the Female Health Company.
The FC2 has the same design, appearance and use as its predecessor the FC1. It is also comparable in its safety and effectiveness. However, it is made of a different material – a synthetic rubber called nitrile – and the new product will sell for about 30% less than the FC1, which retailed between $2.80-$4.00 each.
The FDA approval of the FC2 is significant because the female condom is currently the only method, designed for women's initiation, to prevent HIV infection and unintended pregnancy.
News Coverage -- APRIL 2009 --
Health advocates tout new model of female condom
Picked up by Associated Press, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, USA Today, Huffington Post and Salt Lake Tribune.
February 2009
National Survey Shows Pharmacists Want to Provide Birth Control and Help Prevent Pregnancies for 22 million U.S. Women. Read more.
July 2008
We’re hiring! Public Relations Specialist Position filled October 2008.
Summer 2008
STATES Meeting Participants named Pharmacy Access Summer Partners. Read more
May 19, 2008
6th Annual STATES Meeting addresses critical need to make contraception, STI treatment available in pharmacies. Read more
April 2008
Marin County Department of Health Youth Group Named Pharmacy Access Spring 2008 Partner. Read more
February 2008
Pharmacy Access editorial makes case for pharmacists as key members of healthcare team.
December 2007
Pharmacy Today Profiles Pharmacy Access Partnership. Read more
December 2007
Pharmacy Access Partnership Submits Comment to FDA on 3rd, Behind-the-Counter Class of Drugs. Read more
December 2007
Laura Vargas of Pacific Institute for Women’s Health Honored as December Partner of the Month. Read more
November 2007
PHI’s Joe Hafey Honored as November Partner of the Month. Read more
Fall 2007
Read the latest Partnership paper: Pharmacy Access to EC in Rural & Frontier Communities. Read more
November 2, 2007
Nominate a colleague for the CPhA Jane Boggess Advancement of Pharmacy Practice Award. Learn more about Jane.
September 27, 2007
EC Awareness Bill Introduced in Senate. Read more
September 2007
Vermont EC Advocates honored as September Partners of the Month for EC pharmacy access efforts.
September 2007
Contraceptive Technology Update highlights C-Cards, EC OTC status. Read more
August 23, 2007
Read and comment on the Plan B OTC anniversary op-ed in RHRealityCheck.org by Belle Taylor-McGhee.
August 21, 2007
Pharmacy Access Partnership Commemorates 1-Year Anniversary of Plan B OTC. Read more
August 2007
Critical Legislation Introduced to Protect Community Pharmacies, Statement from Belle Taylor-McGhee. Read more
July 10, 2007
Client Confidentiality Cards Distributed Across California, Soon Nationwide. Read more
July 2007
Pharmacy Access Partnership Paper on Injectable Contraception access in Pharmacies in Journal of the American Pharmacists Association. Read more
July 2007
California’s Major Pharmacy Chains Honored as Our July Partners of the Month. Read more
June 25, 2007
New American Medical Association Policy Requests EC Availability Signs in Pharmacies. Read more
June 15, 2007
Pharmacy Times highlights Plan B, Client Confidentiality Cards. Read more
June 1, 2007
Pharmacy Access Partnership and the Pacific Institute for Women’s Health are pleased to introduce the Client Confidentiality Card, an innovative new tool to facilitate discreet communication between pharmacy patrons and pharmacists. Women of any age can use the C-Card to request Plan B non-verbally in a crowded pharmacy.
Learn more about the Client Confidentiality Card (PDF-84KB)
Download a copy of the Client Confidentiality Card (PDF-1.1MB)
Place an order for Client Confidentiality Cards (each organization may order up to 100 cards for a charge of $10 for shipping and handling)
May 2007
Pharmacy Access Partnership Paper on Plan B OTC in Journal of Nursing Law. Read more
May 24,2007
Pharmacy Today promotes EC pharmacy access, says Plan B OTC is “not a total solution.” Read more
May 23, 2007
Pharmacy Access Partnership to Host Town Hall Meeting: “Getting EC in LA.” Invitation (PDF-44KB) and Directions (PDF-100KB).
May 23, 2007
CA EC Network Spring Meeting to Convene in LA. Read more
May 15, 2007
Pharmacy Access Partnership is pleased to announce the launch of a survey for national distribution to gain a better understanding of pharmacists’ experiences providing reproductive health services, with a specific focus on providing emergency contraception in an over-the-counter environment. The data provided will help inform future clinical training and program opportunities for pharmacists. Data will be collected through mid-June.
May 10, 2007
ED Belle Taylor-McGhee speaks to KPFK about rising contraceptive costs. Hear more
The story begins at 19 minutes and 30 seconds on the timer.
March 21, 2007
Calling all Californians! CCRF Reproductive Freedom Lobby Day. Read more
March 20, 2007
Participate in the Back Up Your Birth Control Day of Activism! Read more
March 9, 2007
Update on Medi-Cal coverage of Plan B. Read more
March 3, 2007
Empowering Women of Color Conference Focuses on Health and Healing. Read more
February 1, 2007
As of February 1, 2007, New York State will make Plan B OTC available to Medicaid clients without a prescription. Medicaid will continue to cover Plan B obtained via prescription — including for women under 18 years of age. Coverage of Plan B will be limited to 6 courses of therapy in any 12 month period for any Plan B prescription and non-prescription combination. Click here for information for pharmacists and pharmacy staff in New York.
December 15, 2006
December 2006 Contraception features Pharmacy Access Partnership’s national survey on women’s attitudes toward and interest in pharmacy access to hormonal contraception. Read more
December 6, 2006
Planned Parenthood Affiliates Nationwide to Offer Free EC on December 6. Visit www.plannedparenthood.org to find a participating clinic near you.
November 14, 2006
At event to launch Plan B OTC, ED Belle Taylor-McGhee Affirms Commitment to Pharmacist Training, Teen Access. Read more 
November 6, 2006
Barr Pharmaceuticals Announces First Shipments of Plan B for OTC Sales. Read more
October 4, 2006
During Pharmacists’ Month, Pharmacy Access Partnership Promotes Growing Trend in Pharmacy-Focused Care. Read more
August 29, 2006
ED Belle Taylor-McGhee Discusses FDA Plan B OTC Decision on KPBS Public Radio. Read more Listen
August 25, 2006
In Oakland Tribune, ED Belle Taylor-McGhee Says EC Pharmacy Access will Benefit CA Teens. Read more
August 24, 2006
FDA Approves Plan B for Non-Prescription Sale for Women 18 and Older. Read FDA release. Learn more about impact on pharmacy access.
August 24, 2006
ED Belle Taylor-McGhee Says Plan B OTC Access is Long-Overdue Victory – For Some Women. Read more
August 21, 2006
Bush Supports Restrictions on Minors’ EC Access. Read more
August 18, 2006
Barr Resubmits Plan B OTC Application to FDA. Read more
August 10, 2006
Pharmacy Access Partnership Executive Director Belle Taylor-McGhee Promotes Universal OTC Access to Plan B in Sacramento News & Review Feature. Read more
August 9, 2006
After Meeting with FDA, Barr Labs to Resubmit Plan B OTC Application. Read more
August 2, 2006
San Francisco Chronicle Editorial Highlights Pharmacy Access Partnership, Women’s Groups’ Pause Over Recent FDA Move on Plan B. Read more
August 1, 2006
Pharmacy Access Partnership Executive Director Belle Taylor-McGhee Says Von Eschenbach Failed to Boost Confidence in FDA During Senate Hearing. Read more
July 31, 2006
FDA Announces Framework to Bring Plan B OTC Within Weeks. Read more
FDA Sends Letter to Duramed Requesting Meeting to Discuss Bringing Plan B OTC. Read more
July 8-10, 2006
California Women’s Press Outlets Profile EC Network. Read more from the Feminist Majority Foundation and Women’s ENews.
July 5, 2006
First-Ever California EC Network Launched. Read more
June 30, 2006
CDC Panel Recommends HPV Vaccine for Girls, Women 11-26. Read more
June 8, 2006
FDA Approves Vaccine That Should Prevent Most Cervical Cancers. Read more
June 5, 2006
Pharmacy Access Partnership hosts its 4th annual meeting: States Take Action Toward EC Services in San Francisco. Read more
May 2006
Pharmacists Associations respond (PDF-56K) to Obstetrics and Gynecology (PDF-136K).
May 25, 2006
Former FDA Commissioner Excluded Top Agency Officials in Plan B OTC Decision, Depositions Say. Read more
May 23, 2006
Santa Rosa Press Democrat highlights EC pharmacy access efforts in rural Northern California, FDA Delay. Read more
May 2006
Belle Taylor-McGhee Reviews Undivided Rights: Women of Color Organizing for Reproductive Justice in Catholics for a Free Choice’s Conscience Magazine. Read more
May 14–20, 2006
Pharmacy Access Partnership will be participating in National Women’s Health Week, May 14-20, 2006, by promoting EC pharmacy access in CA. Read more
April 13, 2006
Colorado Gov. Bill Owens Vetoes EC Pharmacy Access Bill. Read more
Mar. 29, 2006
Vermont becomes 9th state to adopt pharmacy access laws for emergency contraception. Law will become effective July 1, 2006. Read more
Mar. 29, 2006
CCRF Launches ‘A Woman Knows Best’ Framework for Reproductive Rights. Read more
Mar. 27, 2006
Pharmacy Access Partnership's Belle Taylor-McGhee discusses “The Other Side of Pharmacist Refusal” in SisterSong’s Collective Voices (see page 6). Read more
Mar. 23, 2006
Pharmacy Access Partnership’s BUYBC Day Van Visits San Francisco Bay Area Pharmacies. Read more
See pictures of the BUYBC Day Van in the Bay Area.
Mar. 21, 2006
As part of the Back Up Your Birth Control (BUYBC) Day of Action on March 21, 2006, Pharmacy Access Partnership will be visiting San Francisco Bay Area pharmacies (PDF-20K) to promote awareness of the availability of EC directly at participating pharmacies without an advance prescription and thank pharmacists for their important work. Click here for more information (PDF-40K).
Mar. 20, 2006
Wal-Mart to Begin Dispensing “Morning After” Pill This Week Read more
Mar. 16, 2006
Bush Nominates Von Eschenbach to Head FDA; Clinton, Murray Place Hold on Confirmation Vote. Read more
Mar. 10, 2006
Pharmacy Access Partnership’s Belle Taylor-McGhee discusses “Crossing Political Lines on Contraception” in the Washington Post. Read more
Mar. 4, 2006
Wal-Mart to stock EC in all pharmacies nationwide. Read more
Mar. 3, 2006
Vermont Senate passes EC pharmacy access legislation. Read more
Mar. 1, 2006
Pharmacy Access Partnership launches Re-Granting Program in seven states. Read more
Mar. 1, 2006
Dr. Susan Wood implores FDA independence in Washington Post opinion piece on Plan B. Read more
Feb. 28, 2006
California, Alaska rank highest in state pregnancy prevention efforts. Read more
Feb. 28, 2006
Colorado Assembly Passes EC Pharmacy Access Bill. Read more
Feb. 27, 2006
New York Assembly Passes EC Pharmacy Access Bill. Read more
Feb. 21, 2006
Connecticut Calls on All State Wal-Marts to Stock EC. Read more
Feb. 16, 2006
Maryland Senate Considers EC Pharmacy Access Bill. Read more
Feb. 14, 2006
Following State Orders, Wal-Mart to Stock Plan B in Massachusetts, Possibly Nationwide. Read more
Jan. 2006
American Society for Emergency Contraception and the International Consortium for Emergency Contraception release Winter 2005/2006 EC Newsletter. Read more
Jan. 31, 2006
Colorado introduces first-ever EC pharmacy access legislation. Read more
Jan. 9, 2006
Wall Street Journal: “Morning-After Pill Reshapes Debate Over Abortion.” Read more
Dec. 21, 2005
RFP: Apply for funding for EC access efforts through the STATES Regranting Program. Read more
Dec. 14, 2005
A dynamic group of reproductive health advocates, including Pharmacy Access Partnership’s Belle Taylor-McGhee, successfully advanced and passed the American Public Health Association (APHA) late-breaker resolution (PDF-44K) on pharmacist refusal at the 2005 Annual APHA Meeting in Philadelphia. Read more
Dec. 12, 2005
Pharmacy Access Partnership and Dr. Susan Wood meet with San Francisco Chronicle editorial board on FDA, Plan B. Read opinion piece
Dec. 8, 2005
Wisconsin to bring case against FDA over Plan B Delay. Read more
Nov. 29, 2005
Dr. Susan Wood Addresses Pharmacy Access Partnership Gala Event. Read more
Nov. 23, 2005
Dr. Susan Wood to Discuss Plan B, FDA Politics on 60 Minutes. Read more
Nov. 21, 2005
FDA Names Kathleen Uhl as New Director for Office of Women’s Health. Read more
Nov. 15, 2005
In response to GAO Report, Pharmacy Access Partnership demands accountability, action from FDA. Read more
Nov. 14, 2005
GAO Report Calls FDA EC OTC Decision Delay “Unusual.” Read more
Former Director of the FDA Office on Women’s Health Dr. Susan Wood says FDA is “ignoring its process.” Read more
Following GAO Report, House of Representatives Letter Urges HHS Sec. Leavitt to “Renounce the Manipulation of Science.” Read more
Nov. 4, 2005
House introduces bill to make EC OTC if FDA doesn’t decide on Plan B application. Read more
Nov. 1, 2005
FDA receives 10,000 comments on EC application for OTC status. Read more
Sept. 23, 2005
Lester Crawford resigned his post as Commissioner of the FDA. Read more
Sept. 16, 2005
Theresa A. Toigo is Appointed Acting Director of FDA's Office of Women’s Health. Read more
Sept. 15, 2005
Massachusetts becomes 8th state to allow for pharmacy access to EC. Senate and House override governor’s veto.
Aug. 31, 2005
FDA Loses More Credibility with Resignation of Key Official. (PDF-68K)
Aug. 26, 2005
FDA stalls again on decision to increase access to emergency contraception.
FDA Statement (PDF-52K)
Barr Press Release (PDF-24K)
Pharmacy Access Partnership Press Release (PDF-68K)
Aug 4, 2005 - NY Governor Vetoes Pharmacy Access Bill
Minors’ access cited. Read More
July 25, 2005 - Massachusetts Governor Vetoes Pharmacy Access Bill
Decision based on belief that EC works as an abortion pill in some circumstances. Read More
Plan B OTC Decision Set for Sept. 1, 2005
Senators Clinton and Murray lift hold on Lester Crawford's nomination as FDA Commissioner.
View Press Release (DOC-28K) Read More
EC Training for New Mexico Pharmacists Held on July 30, 2005 and September 17, 2005
Read More
July 6, 2005 - MA House Passes EC Pharmacy Access Bill
SB 1319 goes to the Governor. Read More
June 23, 2005 - NY Senate Passes EC Pharmacy Access Bill
A 116 goes to the Governor. Read More
June 22, 2005 - Pharmacy Access to EC, Hormonal Contraception Highlighted in California Paper
Work by Pharmacy Access Partnership featured.
Read More
June 16, 2005 - Governor Signs NH Pharmacy Access Bill
New Hampshire becomes 7th state to permit pharmacy access to EC.
Read More
June 16 - Senate Committee Approves Nomination
of Lester Crawford as FDA Commissioner
Motion placed to block full Senate vote.
Read More
June 16, 2005 - MA Pharmacy Access Bill Passes Senate
Read More
June 1, 2005 - MA Pharmacy Access Bill Passes Committee
SB 1139 goes to Full Senate. Read
More
May 27, 2005 - VT Pharmacy Access Bill Passes House
Senate will hear H 237 in early 2006. Read
More
May 25, 2005 - NH House Approves Pharmacy Access Bill
Governor has indicated he will sign SB 30. Read
More
May 24, 2005 - Vermont Pharmacy Access Bill Passes House Committee
House Floor vote for H 237 expected in coming days. Read
More
May 17, 2005 - OR Pharmacy Access Bill Passes Senate
SB 849 moves to House. Read More
May 11, 2005 - OR Pharmacy Access Bill Moves Forward
Senate Committee recommends do pass with amendments for SB 849. Read More
May 10 - NH EC Pharmacy Access Bill Passes House Committee
With 14-5 favorable recommendation, SB 30 moves to the full House. Read More
May 3, 2005 - Third Pharmacy Access Bill Introduced in NY
A 8075 requires parental notification for minors. Read More
May 2, 2005 - EC Prevents Fertilization, not Implantation, Studies Show
Read More
Apr. 20, 2005 - Canadian Health Minister Announces Plan B Availability Behind-the-Counter
Amendment to be published in Canada Gazette on May 4, 2004. Read More
Pharmacy Access Partnership Issues Position on Pharmacist Refusal and EC
Read More
EC pharmacy access and refusal discussion on Comcast Local Edition/ CNN Headline News
Belle Taylor-McGhee, executive director of Pharmacy Access Partnership, will be appearing on Comcast Local Edition, an informational program airing at 24- and 54-minutes after every hour on CNN Headline News in Bay Area communities. The program will run throughout May. For more information about Comcast Local Edition visit www.norcalcle.com.
Apr. 14, 2005 - Barr Plans Agressive Push for Pharmacy Access if FDA Rejects Plan B OTC Status. Read More
Mar. 31, 2005 - New Hampshire Pharmacy Access Bill Passes Senate
SB 30 moves to House. Gov. Lynch vows to sign off. Read More
Mar. 28, 2005 - EC Use in British Columbia Doubles with Pharmacist-Prescription
Canadian Medical Association Journal paper examines EC use in province. Federal decision on behind-the-counter status for Plan B in Canada expected shortly. Read more
Mar. 24, 2005 - NH Pharmacy Access Bill SB 30 Passes Committee
Read More
Mar. 22, 2005 - Maryland Pharmacy Access Bill SB 541 Fails in Senate
Legislators cite access to young teens. Read more
EC training for Maine pharmacists to be held April 1, 2005
Read More
Mar. 18, 2005 - FDA Expects To Make EC Available Without Prescription
Read More
Mar. 17, 2005 - MD Pharmacy Access Bill SB 541 Passes Committee Vote
Read More
Mar. 22, 2005 - Join the National Back Up Your Birth Control Campaign
Conduct a pharmacy survey, create a resource guide, and outreach to the media. Read More
Pharmacist education toolkit for conducting surveys. Download PDF
Postcard to educate pharmacists about EC. Download PDF
Feb. 28, 2005 - Fourth Pharmacy Access Bill HB 1658 Proposed in Texas
Companion bill to SB 477 becomes third bill introduced. Read More
Request for Proposals on Mainstreaming EC from Compton Foundation DUE APRIL 15, 2005. Read More
Hawaii EC Trainings Set for April 7 - 9, 2005
One hour overview for pharmacists and physicians will cover the administrative rules for EC collaborative agreements. In-depth training covering clinical EC information available as well. Read More
Feb. 21, 2005 - OR Introduces Pharmacy Access Bill SB 849
Nine states are currently proposing similar legislation. Read More
Feb. 28, 2005 - Tune in to 91.7 FM, KALW, San Francisco, at 7:30pm
Belle Taylor-McGhee, Executive Director, Pharmacy Access Partnership & Tina Raine-Bennett, MD,MPH, UCSF discuss emergency contraception on City Visions Radio. Listen to Archive
Additional Pharmacy Access Bills from IL and TX
HB 2535 introduced in Illinois. Read More
HB 1354 introduced in Texas. Read More
Feb. 15, 2005 - EC Pharmacy Access Bills in VT and TX
Vermont Introduces H 237. Read More
Texas Introduces SB 477. Read More
Feb. 11, 2005 - Additional EC Legislation HB 1145 Introduced in Maryland
Read More
EC Cost Savings Conference Call on Feb. 18, 2005 at 4pm ET
Gabriel Deyo of the New York State Comptroller’s Office will share findings linking wider EC access to significant cost-savings to NY’s Medicaid program and private insurers. Deyo will also share tools used to calculate the cost savings so that this research can be replicated in other states. RSVP to Destiny Lopez at dlopez@prochoiceny.org or (212) 343-0114 by Feb. 16.
Feb. 8, 2005 - Kentucky Pharmacy Access Bill HB 346 Introduced
Read More
Feb. 4, 2005 - Maryland Introduces Pharmacy Access Bill SB 541
Read More
Jan. 31, 2005 - NY EC Pharmacy Access Bill Passes Assembly
A 116 moves to Senate Higher Education Committee
Read More
Jan. 21, 2005 - FDA Decision on Plan B OTC Status Delayed
Read More View response from Pharmacy Access Partnership (PDF-20K)
Jan. 9, 2005 - San Francisco Chronicle Publishes Op-Ed on Plan B OTC, Pharmacy Access to EC and Pharmacist Refusal
Read More
Jan. 6, 2005 - Pharmacy Access Bills Introduced in NH and NY
New Hampshire introduces SB 30. Read More
New York introduces A 116. Read More
Dec. 17, 2004 - Hawaii’s EC Pharmacy Program Rules Signed by Governor
State moves forward with implementation. Read More
Dec. 2, 2004 - Save-the-Date: Community Forum on EC in San Francisco
Emergency Contraception, it’s safe, simple, and can prevent unintended pregnancies, so what’s all the fuss about? Will it go over-the-counter?
Read More
Nov. 4, 2004 - The Limits of Conscientious Objection - May Pharmacists Refuse to Fill Prescriptions for Emergency Contraception?
New England Journal of Medicine article examines arguments in favor of and against a pharmacist's right to object, and offers a solution.
Read More
Sept. 29, 2004 - Rules for Hawaii's EC Pharmacy Program Approved
Training and outreach efforts will continue, and EC service will begin, after signature from governor and attorney general.
Read More
Sept. 8, 2004 - New National Survey of Women’s Attitudes Towards Pharmacy Access to Hormonal Contraception Including Emergency Contraception
Read More
Aug. 20, 2004 - EC Funding Available from the Institute for Reproductive Health Access
Support available for projects that expand access to and knowledge of EC. Deadline is September 17, 2004.
Read More
July 22, 2004 - Barr Submits Response to FDA in Support of Plan B OTC Status
Company proposes marketing for dual access.
Read More
July 13, 2004 - Democratic Lawmakers Introduce Amendment to Allow Plan B OTC Switch
Read More
June 16, 2004 - Massachusetts Pharmacy Access Bill Passes Senate
SB 546, which also requires hospitals to make EC available to rape victims, heads to House.
Read More
June 9, 2004 - FDA May Reverse Decision on OTC Status for Plan B
Read More
June 4, 2004 - NH Governor Vetoes Pharmacy Access Bill
Governor Benson cites concern about irresponsible sexual behavior and a lack of parental involvement. Planned Parenthood calls on legislature to overide veto.
Read More
June 2, 2004 - Rulemaking Delays Implementation of Hawaii's EC Program
Women’s Legislative Caucus urges quicker review
Read More
May 18, 2004 - Canadian Government Proposes Behind-the-Counter Access to EC
Read More
May 13, 2004 - House Members Ask FDA to Reconsider Plan B OTC Rejection
Read More (PDF-28K)
May 11, 2004 - Barr Laboratories, Inc announces discontinuation of Preven
Read More
May 6, 2004 - FDA Rejects Plan B OTC Switch
Not-Approvable Letter cites concern about safe OTC use for teens under 16
Read More
May 5, 2004 - NH Pharmacy Access Bill Passes House
SB 484 will be reviewed by Governor within three weeks
Read More
Apr. 27, 2004 - New Hampshire Pharmacy Access Bill Moves to House Floor for Vote
Bill advances despite an unfavorable committee report
Read More
Apr. 8, 2004 - New England Journal of Medicine editorial examines the FDA, Politics, and Plan B
Read More
Maine Bill Signing Ceremony Set for March 22, 2004
Read More
Mar. 17, 2004 - Pharmacy Access Bills in MA and NH Move Forward
Massachusetts SB 546 passes Senate Committee. Read More
New Hampshire SB 484 passes Senate. Read More
Mar. 3, 2004 - Maine Becomes Sixth State to Provide EC Directly to Women in Pharmacies
Governor signs LD 1152. Read More
Feb. 26, 2004 - Barr Completes Acquisition of WCC and Plan B®
Read More (PDF-56K)
Feb. 25, 2004 - Maine and Illinois EC Pharmacy Access Bills Move Forward
Maine LD 1152 passes both House and Senate - Governor has 10 days to sign. Read More
Illinois House Committee approves HB 6577. Read More
Feb. 13, 2004 - FDA Delays Decision on Making EC OTC
Barr Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Women's Capitol Corporation announced that the FDA extended the deadline to decide the OTC status of Plan B. A decision is expected by May 21, 2004.
Read Barr Press Release Read RHTP Release
Jan. 13, 2004 - Conservatives Seek to Block OTC Switch for Plan B
49 House Republicans, led by David Weldon, R-Fla., have written President Bush to urge that the FDA reject its advisory committee's recommendation to make Plan B available over-the-counter.
Read more
States Take Action to Ensure Ready Access to EC
New legislation introduced in 2004. Read more
Dec. 16, 2003 - FDA Joint Committee Votes 27 YES, 4 NO to Recommend Plan B Switch to Non-Prescription Status
The FDA is expected to respond by February 20, 2004 if not earlier. Depending on the amount of political pressure applied to the FDA, Commissioner Mark McClellan may respond by: (1) granting OTC status, (2) allowing Plan B to be sold at pharmacies with one or more sponsor requested restrictions, or (3) asking for further studies. Read an account of FDA Meeting (DOC-48K), Read more
New Mexico Holds EC Pharmacy Train the Trainer Program 12/14/03
Contact NM Pharmaceutical Association for info.
Emergency Contraception in Australia Becomes Available Directly from a Pharmacist
Read more
Increased Access to EC Would Save New York State $452 Million Annually, Comptroller Report Says
Read NY Comptroller Report (PDF-536K), Read Press Coverage, More info on EC in NY.
New Legislation Simplifies EC Pharmacy Access in California
On October 2, 2003 Gov. Davis signed SB 490 and SB 545 simplifying pharmacist participation and consumer access to EC.
Plan B Has New Owner, Barr Labs
Barr Laboratories Inc. announced on October 2, 2003 its aquisition of Plan B, the dedicated EC product brought to market by Women’s Capital Corp. The OTC application for Plan B will continue to be reviewed by the FDA. Read more on EC and OTC, Read Press Coverage, Read info on FDA Advisory Committee hearing December 16, 2003.
Hawaii Newest State to Provide Direct Pharmacy Access to EC
On June 24, 2003 Hawaii’s Republican Governor signed into law a bill that allows women improved EC access through pharmacies. Over 100 pharmacists and providers received EC training in August 2003. Read the full story
Personal Story Spotlight: Dale Tinker, New Mexico
When Dale Tinker first heard a presentation about emergency contraception four years ago, he didn’t think much about it. Find out what inspired him to get involved. Read more
Canadian EC Program Wins Excellence Award
Recently, the Canadian Society of Association Executives recognized B.C. pharmacists’ efforts with a Cornerstone of Excellence award in government affairs. Read the full story
Pharmacists + Community Health Leaders = EC Success
Find out the story behind the creation of GO2EC.org. Read more
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