NEW YORK - March 23 - Today, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York issued a ruling that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must reconsider its decision in the case of Tummino, et al. v. von Eschenbach in which plaintiffs challenged FDA policies regarding the Morning-After Pill, often referred to by its brand name, Plan B. Plaintiffs claimed that restrictions were based on anti-birth control politics and political pressure not science.The FDA must not only reconsider Plan B's over-the-counter (OTC) status without any age or other restrictions, but must also make it available to women 17 and older without a prescription.

"We are thrilled that immediate access to the Morning-After Pill will be expanded for younger women and that the FDA will have to reconsider whether Plan B should be approved without any restrictions," said Anne Tummino, lead plaintiff and Morning-After Pill Conspiracy Coalition Coordinator. "The FDA bowed to political pressure from the Bush Administration and imposed medically unnecessary age restrictions on a drug that is safe and effective justice will now be served."