With federal court action looming, Sebelius says Plan B decision 'not about politics'

Dec 14 2011

A federal judge in Brooklyn will hear arguments Tuesday afternoon on the constitutionality of the federal decision regarding the access teenage girls should have to morning-after contraceptive pills. Meanwhile, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said the decision about Plan B's over-the-counter status was not a political one.

The Hill: Sebelius: Plan B Decision Not Political
The decision to block wider access to the morning-after contraceptive known as Plan B was not political, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said Monday. According to a Bloomberg report, Sebelius said the decision was not "about politics." She discussed the Plan B controversy with reporters after an event with New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg -; who said he disagreed with Sebelius's decision (Baker, 12/12).

National Journal: Sebelius Denies Contraception Decision Was Political
Sebelius said last week that she was worried there wasn't enough data showing that girls as young as 11 could really understand the label on the pills and use them safely. "There are always opportunities for the company to come back with additional data," Sebelius told reporters after the meeting, held at LaGuardia Community College in New York, according to Bloomberg. "Subsequent discussions can take place" (Fox, 12/12).

The Associated Press: NY Federal Court Showdown Set Over Pregnancy Pill
A federal judge in Brooklyn is set to hear arguments over whether the federal government is acting constitutionally in its decisions over the access teenage girls should have to morning-after contraceptive pills. Federal Judge Edward Korman will hear the arguments Tuesday afternoon, a week after the federal government announced that it would block the over-the-counter sale of the anti-pregnancy drug to sexually active girls under age 17 (12/13).