NEW: MA Judge Overturns Age Restriction on Emergency Contraception

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Friday, April 05, 2013

GoLocalWorcester News Contributor

U.S. District Court Judge Edward Korman has issued a ruling ordering the federal government to lift the age restriction on over-the-counter access to emergency contraception. In 2011, the Food and Drug Administration had recommended ending prescription requirements for teens under 17 who want access to emergency contraception, a recommendation that was overruled by the U.S. Department of Health.

Judge Korman’s ruling to allow teens under 17 to purchase emergency contraception over-the-counter received very mixed reactions from local organizations. The Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts praises Judge Korman’s decision.

“Lifting the age restriction will allow emergency contraception to be stocked on store shelves, making it more accessible to women of all ages” said Marty Walz, Chief Executive Officer and President of PPLM. “As the state’s leading women’s health care provider and advocate, Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts supports increased access to emergency contraception. We work every day to help reduced unintended pregnancies and keep women healthy.”

Diocese of Worcester--"Deeply disturbing"

The Diocese of Worcester strongly opposes this new ruling and believes that it can be harmful to minors.

“It is deeply disturbing that a federal judge is choosing to change the restriction on access to contraception by minors," said Ray Delisle, Director of Communications for the Diocese of Worcester. "Society calls them minors for a reason. Minors are not in a position to be making life-altering decisions on their own. Society demands this regarding driving, alcohol, cigarettes, and firearms."

To allow over-the-counter access "to the so-called 'morning-after pill'," Delisle said, "further opens the door for minors to engage in behaviors that are not for their good and to which parents object.”  Even the law does not condone sexual activity involving a minor, Deslile said. "This disturbing ruling facilitates abuse by adults who would try to cover up a criminal act. The physical consequences of these potent hormones are destructive to women’s health, and could potentially be even more so in minors, as evidenced by the FDA’s initial restrictions.”

Planned Parenthood--minors are responsible enough

However, Planned Parenthood argues that minors are responsible enough to make the decision to use emergency contraceptive.

“Science backs lifting the age restriction on over-the-counter access to emergency contraception," Walz said. "Multiple studies have shown that teens are as likely as adults to use it correctly and that both groups report little if any difficulty. Research also shows teens understand that emergency contraception is not intended for ongoing, regular use and the rates of unprotected sex do not increase when they have easier access to emergency birth control.”

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