Blumenthal Statement On Federal Court’s Decision To Lift Ban On Providing Emergency Contraception Over-The-Counter

(Hartford, CT) – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) released a statement on the District Court of Eastern New York’s decision to lift the ban on providing emergency contraception over-the-counter. The court's decision eliminates both the restriction that requires a person under 18 years of age to get a prescription before obtaining emergency contraception and the requirement that a person 18 years of age and older go through a pharmacist to get it.

“In 2011, I joined my colleagues in questioning the science behind the federal ban on over-the-counter access to emergency contraception. I am pleased that the court’s decision has placed science and safety ahead of politics and will help secure safe access to contraception for all women in this country."