Press Release

Plan B Gets an A with Humanists

For Immediate Release - Contact: Roy Speckhardt (202) 238-9088

(Washington, D.C., December 17, 2003) “In a time when politics dominates reason, and government officials try to impose their personal faith and faith based views on the rest of us, science has ruled the day!” exclaimed Tony Hileman, executive director of the American Humanist Association, in response to the groundbreaking decision to support “Plan B,” the morning-after pill for the prevention of unintended pregnancies.

Yesterday, the Food and Drug Administration's Reproductive Health Drugs Advisory and Nonprescription Drugs Panel voted overwhelmingly to approve Plan B as an over-the-counter contraceptive. A final decision will be made in "a matter of months," according to FDA commissioner Mark McClellan. In anticipation of a Religious Right lobbying crusade and public opinion campaign, Humanists are speaking out in support of this decision and the reasoning behind it.

Hileman explained, “As it has already done in numerous countries around the world, this scientific breakthrough will prevent abortions, prevent the birth of unwanted children, and leave our society better able to nurture the many wanted children that need such care.

“The FDA panel not only made the responsible decision, but they went about it the right way. They refused to bow to the pressures of political and religious leaders who are voicing emotional opposition. Instead the FDA panel followed the facts and made their recommendation based on the scientific merits of Plan B, including the pill’s safety, efficacy, and value to women’s health.

“We Humanists expect the FDA to remain true to science as their recommended action faces the criticism bound to come from such a courageous decision. With approval for over the counter usage, this emergency contraception could prevent over a million unintended pregnancies and thousands of abortions annually,” concluded Hileman.

The American Humanist Association is the oldest and largest Humanist organization in the nation. The AHA is dedicated to ensuring a voice for those with a positive nontheistic outlook, based on reason and experience, which embraces all of humanity .

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