Military Bases to Offer 'Abortion Pills' Abroad

MSNBC News:
The Pentagon for the first time will require military bases worldwide to offer emergency contraception or the so-called morning-after pill (Bush's Plan B Abortion Pill at taxpayer expense), a military spokeswoman said Thursday. The decision follows a recommendation by an independent panel of doctors and pharmacists in November, said Defense Department spokeswoman Cynthia Smith. The panel determined that emergency contraception should be added to the military's list of medications that must be stocked at each military facility. Over much resistance from abortion opponents, the Food and Drug Administration approved the over-the-counter sale of the morning-after pill to adults in 2006. The drug, which contains a high dose of birth control pills, can be used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex by blocking ovulation or fertilization. Critics of the contraceptive say it is the equivalent of an abortion pill because it can prevent a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus.

Flashback - July 30, 2004
GOP Led House Passes 'Abortion Pill' Bill
House passes bill to make abortifacent birth-control easier for public to access -- Bill will lead to over-the-counter morning after pills
The House of Representatives approved a move Thursday night July 15, that could smooth the way to over-the-counter use of emergency contraceptives like Plan B (morning after pills). Lawmakers unanimously passed a measure barring the FDA from keeping any contraceptive off the over-the-counter market once the agency has found it to be "safe and effective." While the bill does not specifically mention the controversial emergency contraceptive known as Plan B morning after pill, supporters were quick to point to the product as their motivation for pushing the vote. Next, the Senate must vote on the bill, and then President Bush must sign the bill, which would be necessary for it to become law.

Flashback - August 21, 2006
Bush Approves Over-the-Counter Sale of Plan B Abortion Pill
WASHINGTON -- President George Bush indicated he supports over-the-counter sales of Plan B, a so-called morning-after contraceptive -- except for minors. Bush told a news conference at the temporary press room across from the White House he supports plans by Acting Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Andrew von Eschenbach to OK sales of Plan B without a prescription. "I believe Plan B ought to be a required prescription for minors," Bush said, adding he supports "Andy's decision." Von Eschenbach testified at a U.S. Senate committee hearing last week he thinks Plan B can be sold safely to women over 18.

Flashback - August 30, 2006
Bush Irks Religious Right for Approving Plan B Abortion Pill Sales
WASHINGTON -- Just 10 weeks before the midterm elections, the White House has irked its base again. This time it's social conservatives, who are disappointed that President Bush endorsed a decision to allow over-the-counter sales of the Plan B morning-after contraceptive pill to adults. Making matters much worse, the White House all but blew off those conservatives who called to ask about the decision.

Posted by Editor at February 5, 2010 12:59 AM