Ibis responds to Obama administration’s EC decision

May 3, 2013 – Ibis Reproductive Health is extremely disappointed that the Obama administration will appeal US District Court Judge Edward Korman’s order to make over-the-counter (OTC) emergency contraception available to women of all ages. 

Further, the FDA’s decision to comply partially with Judge Korman’s ruling by allowing Plan B One-Step to be sold to women aged 15 and older is unacceptable. Though this will theoretically expand access to more women, and will move Plan B One-Step from behind the counter to on the shelf, women will still be forced to show an ID to purchase the product, which is in itself a barrier for many women such as teens and immigrant women. 

We were heartened by Judge Korman’s ruling, which was based on scientific evidence, and hope that the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals will follow in his footsteps and decide on the side of science. Women of all ages have waited too long to have true OTC access to this time-sensitive medication.