December 9, 2011, PHILADELPHIA: The American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA) today called for the reversal of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius’ decision not to accept the recommendations of experts of the Food and Drug Administration to remove barriers to access to Plan B One-Step, a safe and effective contraceptive method. Secretary Sebelius announced her action on December 7, 2011.

Preventing unplanned pregnancies is vital to women's health. The FDA based its recommendation on science showing safety and effectiveness in teenagers as well as other age groups. The retained barrier is a required prescription for those under 17 years. This barrier keeps Plan B One Step under the counter, therefore all women have to ask for the contraceptive and show identification. 

Plan B One Step should be over the counter just like condoms ensuring equal access to safe and effective contraceptives to both women and men. Considering the potential adverse effects on women's health, AMWA asks Secretary Sebelius to withdraw her opposition.

AMWA, the leading organization of women physicians, medical students and other persons dedicated to serving as the unique voice for women's health and the advancement of women in medicine, urges its members and friends to contact the White House to ask the HHS to accept the FDA’s recommendation to remove barriers to access to Plan B One-Step.