Seventh state eases ‘morning-after’ pill access

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New Hampshire on Thursday joined six other U.S. states in allowing pharmacists to dispense emergency birth control without a prescription, amid growing controversy over U.S. health regulators’ delay in making a nationwide decision.

The state’s new law comes as President Bush’s pick to head the Food and Drug Administration faces an uncertain confirmation for not acting on Barr Pharmaceuticals Inc.’s bid to sell its Plan B emergency contraception over-the-counter.

Two Democratic U.S. Senators - Patty Murray of Washington state and Hillary Clinton of New York - blocked a full Senate vote on Acting Commissioner Lester Crawford on Wednesday after a Senate panel voted to send his nomination to the floor.

Plan B, the only marketed drug of its kind, can prevent pregnancy if taken within 72 hours of sexual intercourse. Altered doses of regular birth control pills are also sometimes used as so-called “morning-after” pills.

Six other states - Alaska, California, Hawaii, Maine, New Mexico and Washington - allow pharmacists to write prescriptions for Plan B, either by taking a special course, or by working with a physician.

New York is considering a similar proposal.

A bipartisan group of New Hampshire lawmakers first introduced the bill in January, and Democratic Gov. John Lynch signed the measure into law on Thursday.

“I am pro-choice. I also believe we must work together to reduce the need for abortions. Emergency contraception is a safe and effective way to do that,” Lynch said.

Barr spokeswoman Carol Cox said the company was pleased with the new law, saying it would help women who need the drug. “If they find themselves in a situation where they need it, timely access is important,” she said.

Company officials have said they plan to launch an aggressive state-by-state effort to allow easier access if their FDA application fails.

Barr, which specializes in contraceptives and generic drugs, is trying for the second time to receive approval for the drug after a compromise to limit sales to women aged 16 and older.

The FDA had been due to make its own decision on Plan B in January. But Crawford, who has served as acting commissioner twice since Bush took office, has said the FDA is wrestling with complex legal issues.

Opponents have said nonprescription sales will lead to more promiscuity and sexually transmitted diseases.

Two FDA advisory panels and several medical societies have said evidence shows Plan B is safe and effective and have urged the FDA to allow nonprescription sales.

The American Pharmacists Association has said it supports state efforts to broaden access.

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