FDA Approves New Emergency Contraceptive, ella®

On Friday, August 13, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved ella®, a new emergency contraception pill.  What makes ella® different from other emergency contraceptives is that it's still effective when taken up to five days after sex. 

 Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, praised the FDA's decision:

 "The FDA's approval of ella® is a sign of progress for women's access to emergency contraception and for the role of sound science at the FDA.  Emergency-contraception options like ella® are a safe, effective back-up method when something goes wrong such as if a condom breaks, or in tragic situations when a woman is sexually assaulted. This is a step forward for commonsense, common-ground ways to help prevent unintended pregnancy and thus reduce the need for abortion."

 Not surprisingly, anti-choice, anti-birth control activists are already trying to distort the facts about ella®.  Ella® and other emergency contraceptives prevent pregnancy; they do not cause abortion.  Click here to get the facts about emergency contraception. 

"It is a shame that some political pressure groups refuse to support better access to contraception," Keenan said. "They will repeat their false claim that emergency contraception is akin to abortion. That's wrong, and I am convinced the American people will continue to reject this misrepresentation."

 Ella® will be available by prescription only.