Senator Murray’s Statement on FDA Ruling to Allow Over-the-Counter Sale of Emergency Contraception to All Ages

Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement after a Federal District Judge Edward Korman’s ruled to direct the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to remove the age restriction on emergency contraception within 30 days and allow the product on pharmacy shelves for all women.

“Today’s ruling highlights the importance of Food and Drug Administration regulations being based on science, not politics,” said Senator Murray. “As numerous medical societies and patient advocates have argued, improved access to birth control, including emergency contraception, has been proven to benefit a woman’s personal, economic and social health and stability. Increasing access to obtain a safe and effective product they may need to prevent an unintended pregnancy is an essential part of basic health care.”