Planned Parenthood says FDA decision on emergency contraception is “important step forward”

WASHINGTON — Planned Parenthood Federation of America President Cecile Richards released the following statement in response to today’s decision by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on emergency contraception:

“While there are still practical questions to resolve, this is an important step forward to expand access to emergency contraception and for preventing unintended pregnancy.  Emergency contraception is a safe and effective form of birth control that can prevent pregnancy if taken within five days of unprotected sex. This decision will eliminate some of the biggest barriers and hurdles that women face in getting emergency contraception when they need it, which means many more women will be able to prevent unintended pregnancy.

“While we fully support this expansion of access to birth control, we continue to believe that the administration should lift all unnecessary restrictions to emergency contraception, consistent with the prevailing science and medicine.  As the nation’s leading provider of women’s health care, Planned Parenthood knows firsthand how critical it is that women be able to get emergency contraception quickly and without hurdles.”