The controversial decision on Plan B

Hour 1

Last week, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius overruled a recommendation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that would have allowed the emergency contraceptive Plan B One-Step to be sold over-the-counter, including to girls under the age of 17.  Women 17 and over will now still need to go to the pharmacist counter to obtain the anti-pregnancy drug but younger girls will need a prescription. The decision surprised many, since it was the first time the HHS has blocked a decision by the FDA, and many women’s health advocates and physician groups were outraged, but pro-life supporters applauded the administrations actions. This hour we’ll get analysis of the White House decision, what’s behind it and what it means for women from GARDINER HARRIS; science and health reporter for The New York Times; ELEANOR SCHWARZ, associate professor of Medicine, Epidemiology, and Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh; and DONNA HARRISON, director of research and public policy for the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Listen to the mp3

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[audio: 121311_100630.mp3]