A new, longer-lasting "morning-after" pill to prevent unwanted pregnancy “appears to work with no unexpected side effects”, U.S. health regulatory staff said in documents released yesterday, and was shown to be “effective when taken as many as five days after unprotected sex.” The FDA will now determine whether to approve its sale in the United States.
FDA staff scientists have already stated that the company's studies “showed no unexpected side effects in women, although reports of nausea, headache and abdominal pain were common.” However, “it was not clear what effect the drug had, if any, when a woman still became pregnant despite taking it,” they added.
Developed in France by HRA Pharma, the drug known as “Ella” has already been approved for use in 44 countries, and works by preventing ovulation. However, it has once again stirred up the seemingly never ending political debates regarding reproductive rights here at home.
Women's health advocates in the U.S. have welcomed the potential for another emergency contraceptive option. However, many Right-to-Lifers have argued that it is more like the “abortion pill,” RU-486 (or mifepristone).
Those looking to find out more about safe methods of birth control can contact Planned Parenthood at 1030 New Britain Ave., W. Hartford, NY 06110 860 953-6201
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