Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts Praises Emergency Contraception Ruling
For Immediate Release: Jan. 30, 2014
Walz: Emergency contraception is safe, effective and needs to be accessible for all.
BOSTON — Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts (PPLM) said today that it applauded the ruling issued by U.S. District Court Judge Edward Korman ordering the federal government to lift the age restriction on over-the-counter access to emergency contraception. In 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services overruled the Food and Drug Administration’s recommendation to lift the prescription requirements for teens under 17 who want access to emergency contraception.
Marty Walz, Chief Executive Officer and President of PPLM, gave this statement in reaction to the ruling today:
“Planned Parenthood supports efforts to lift the age restriction on over-the-counter access to emergency contraception. Lifting the age restriction will allow emergency contraception to be stocked on store shelves, making it more accessible to women of all ages.
“Science backs lifting the age restriction on over-the-counter access to emergency contraception. Multiple studies have shown that teens are as likely as adults to use it correctly and that both groups report little if any difficulty. Research also shows teens understand that emergency contraception is not intended for ongoing, regular use and the rates of unprotected sex do not increase when they have easier access to emergency birth control.
“As the state’s leading women’s health care provider and advocate, Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts supports increased access to emergency contraception. We work every day to help reduced unintended pregnancies and keep women healthy.”
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Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts is the largest freestanding reproductive health care provider in the state. For over 80 years PPLM has protected and promoted sexual and reproductive health and freedom of choice through clinical services, education and advocacy. For more information, visit www.pplm.org.
Source
Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts
Contact
Melissa Mills-Dick
Communications Manager
(617) 515-0531
Published
April 05, 2013