The Spark

the Voice of
The Communist League of Revolutionary Workers–Internationalist

“The emancipation of the working class will only be achieved by the working class itself.”
— Karl Marx

Morning-After Pill:
Restricted

May 13, 2013

In a clearly political move, the Obama administration recently overrode once again the Food and Drug Administration’s decision to allow the morning-after pill to be sold over the counter, without a prescription, to women of all ages.

In 2011, the administration blocked the sale of morning after drugs by forcing pharmacies to keep the drug behind the counter and to sell only to women 17 or older.

Last month a federal judge ordered the administration to make the contraceptive available. Even the judge said that this blocking by the administration was “overtly political.”

What is all the uproar really about? Obama’s spokespersons claim that he has taken a “moderate” position: he refers to his own daughters in saying he wouldn’t like to see very young girls able to secure the drug.

As much as the right wing of the Republican party, the Democratic administration is inferring that the availability of this drug could make young girls promiscuous. What complete nonsense!

There is no scientific reason that women of all ages should not be afforded this drug and the opportunity to avoid an unwanted pregnancy or abortion. Young girls do have sex, and the morning-after pill will not change that in any way. No, it is not okay to condemn young girls to pregnancy to satisfy backward stereotypes or secure votes.

Obama’s “moderate” position causes unnecessary harm to women, especially the young. “Moderation” like this has chipped away at reproductive rights ever since Roe v. Wade!