AG Lautenschlager seeks authority to sue FDA over Plan B delays

[sybylla]

from her the PDF press release at http://www.thewheelerreport.com/releases/Dec05/Dec1/1201agcontraceptives.pdf

ATTORNEY GENERAL LAUTENSCHLAGER SEEKS AUTHORITY TO FILE SUIT
AGAINST FDA OVER DELAYS IN APPROVAL OF OTC EMERGENCY
CONTRACEPTIVE
MADISON - Attorney General Peg Lautenschlager announced today she is seeking the authority to file a lawsuit against the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its delays in approving an emergency contraceptive pill known as “Plan B,” as an over-the-counter drug which has been pending at the federal agency since 2003.

“The citizens of Wisconsin who are being harmed by this politically motivated delay deserve answers, and they deserve action,” Lautenschlager said. “The negative effects of withholding approval of this drug over political -- not scientific or other legitimately accepted grounds -- are far reaching, hurting not only victims of rape who might be in need of emergency contraception, but the greater community health, the economy and the fundamental right to justice.”

Lautenschlager has been a long-time advocate of contraceptive equity and reproductive rights, issuing landmark opinions on the subject as Attorney General (see www.doj.state.wi.us).

As a first step in the process of taking legal action, Lautenschlager wrote to Governor Jim Doyle today (a copy of the letter follows below), requesting that he, along with the Department of Health and Family Services (DHFS), assist the Department of Justice (DOJ) in investigating the FDA’s refusal to make a decision over the marketing status of “Plan B.”

...end of statement...
more background on the issue and the letter to Doyle available at the link above

All I can say is Go Peg! An election year is a fine time to give our centrist governor an opportunty to solidify his base. The question is whether or not he will take her up on it.

[ewagner]

1. Peg should exercise some caution here...

While I appreciate the job she's doing as AG, she can carry the fight too far; be too aggressive and have if back-fire on her.

The greatest risk is that actions like these are "framed" not as "Peg doing her job" but as political grandstanding.

Walk lightly Peg....walk lightly.

[sybylla]

2. Update - Doyle agrees to support Peg in the lawsuit.

See this LBN thread.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x1975322

[Broca]

3. "Pro-Life" group outraged. Discussion on WPR Dec. 12

THE IDEAS NETWORK PROGRAM NOTES FOR MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2005

7:00 AM Joy Cardin - 12/12B
After seven, Joy Cardin talks with Attorney General Peg
Lautenschlager (LOWT-en-SCHLOG-err), about a lawsuit to be filed
against the F-D-A for delaying approval of over-the-counter sales of
the so-called morning-after pill. Then, after seven-thirty, Joy talks
with a guest who is outraged over the suit.Guests:<br>7 - 7:30 - Peg
Lautenschlager, Wisconsin Attorney General.<br>7:30 - 8 - Matt Sande
(SAN dee), director of legislative affairs for Pro-Life Wisconsin.

[sybylla]

4. Joy Cardin is only a bit more fair and balanced than Fox

I'd listen but I'm afraid it will just piss me off. Once again the nutjobs will get the last word.