On May 6, President Bush's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rejected over-the-counter status for the Plan B emergency contraceptive. The decision comes despite the recommendation of two separate scientific committees, which voted overwhelmingly to approve over-the-counter sales. By intervening with the FDA to make sure that the concerns of far right activists outweigh the considered judgment of scientific experts the President himself appointed, the Bush Administration has blocked a move that could prevent a substantial number of abortions.

Over-the-counter access to emergency contraception could dramatically lower the number of unintended pregnancies and abortions in this country, and would be particularly beneficial for victims of sexual assault. But those concerns were outweighed by the objections of a small number of ideological extremists who oppose even contraception.

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