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For Immediate Release
Contact: Mai Shiozaki, 202-628-8669, ext. 116; cell 202-641-1906

NOW Applauds Obama Administration's Movement toward Allowing Access to Over-the-Counter Emergency Contraceptive Without Age Restrictions

Statement of NOW President Terry O'Neill

WASHINGTON

The National Organization for Women is encouraged by the Obama administration's promise to federal district court Judge Edward R. Korman that it will withdraw its appeal of his ruling, in which the FDA was ordered to make all forms of emergency contraception available over the counter without age restrictions. With access to this safe and effective product, women of all ages will be able to take immediate action to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex.

Study after study has demonstrated that emergency contraception is an effective and safe way of preventing unwanted pregnancies. After a decade of wrangling over access to this medication, it is time for common sense and science-based medicine to win the day. NOW calls on the Obama administration to comply with Judge Korman's order without delay and without qualification.

Buoyed by this victory, NOW activists across the country will continue to work to advance reproductive justice and defeat the radical right forces that play politics with women's lives.

The National Organization for Women (NOW) is the largest organization of feminist activists in the United States. NOW has 500,000 contributing members and 550 chapters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.