Washington, D.C, United States

Reps. Carolyn B. Maloney [NY-12], Henry Waxman [CA-33] and 35 other House Democrats sent a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder asking him to not appeal the Federal Court’s decision in Tummino v. Hamburg which overturned a directive from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to require a prescription for those under 16 years old seeking “Plan B” contraception, popularly known as “the morning-after pill.”

“This decision is a victory for science and common sense,” said Rep. Maloney. “That’s why we are urging the Administration let this decision stand. Restrictions on contraception are restrictions on women’s health. Removing barriers to access the full range of safe and effective contraceptives for anyone who needs them is what 21st Century health care looks like.”

“The federal court has spoken loud and clear,” said Rep. Waxman. “Plan B meets all FDA requirements and should be made available immediately to women who wish to use it. The Administration should not stand in their way by continuing to litigate a case that has been soundly decided.”

“Lifting the age restrictions on over-the-counter emergency contraception is a significant and long-overdue step forward for women’s health that will benefit women of all ages,” said Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. “We applaud Representatives Maloney, Waxman, and the all the Members of Congress who signed this letter for standing in support of women’s access to a full range of safe and effective birth control.  This court ruling is good policy, good science, and good sense – and it should stand.”

“We’re proud to join this call for common sense. The ruling that lifted the age restriction on emergency contraception should stand,” said Ilyse Hogue, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America. “For years, women have had to jump through hoops because officials in Washington played politics with our health. As simple as this is, increasing access to emergency contraception puts women one step closer to controlling their own destinies.”