[lbo-talk] Morning-After Pill suit hearing Dec 22 Brooklyn

[JBrown72073 at cs.com]

There's a hearing on our suit against the FDA in Brooklyn on Thursday 
(hearing is on the government's motion to dismiss).  In brief, we're suing the FDA 
for violating its internal policies on approving drugs for over-the-counter sale 
in the case of the Morning-After Pill.  We also allege that this is 
discriminatory since they are denying over-the-counter status *because* the users of 
this drug are female.  Evidence from a recent GAO study will help our case, as 
will the protest resignation of the woman in charge of women's reproductive 
health at FDA, Susan Wood.  The Center for Reproductive Rights initiated the 
suit; I'm one of nine individual plaintiffs.  Details below:

*WE NEED YOU at the oral arguments in the feminist lawsuit against the FDA*
*Thursday, December 22nd (new date!), 2 p.m., Federal Court, Brooklyn, NY*

*A strong mass of women at this hearing will send a clear message to the

 judge: Women demand the morning-after pill over-the-counter! *

In January 2005 the Center for Reproductive Rights filed suit against the

 FDA in Brooklyn, NY. The lawsuit, *Tummino vs. von Eschenbach* (current

 FDA Commissioner), charges the FDA with ignoring scientific fact and holding

 the Morning-After Pill to a different standard than other over-the-counter

 drugs, consequently breaking the FDA's rules and regulations and

 discriminating against women. 

    The suit was filed on behalf of 9 women

 associated with the Women's Liberation Birth Control Project and the

 Morning-After Pill Conspiracy, as well as two organizations.

 Not surprisingly, the government wants this case thrown out. On Thursday, 
December

 22nd (new date!) our lawyers will argue why the case should move forward. 
Feminists

 are encouraged to attend this proceeding in a show of solidarity. We will

 pass out buttons or arm bands to those who support our case and want the

 Morning-After Pill over-the-counter. 

Please forward this email to friends and

 organizations.

*DETAILS:*

The hearing starts at 2:00,

 so please meet up at 1:30 in front of the courthouse. 
It takes a while to

 get through metal detectors- bring ID and be aware you will have to hand

 over your cell phone. The address is 225 Cadman Plaza East. Take 2/3 to Clark
St Station, 4/5 to Borough Hall or M/R to Court St./Borough Hall.  (If the 
Transit Workers are still striking, call the MTA and tell them to treat the 
workers right, right now!)

For more Info: Call Annie 917-859-9379 or email
birthcontrolproject at gmail.com

Websites: www.birthcontrolproject.org, www.mapconspiracy.org

Jenny Brown