NIRH Denounces Senate Confirmation of Scott Gottlieb to Lead FDA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 10, 2017
Contact: Christie Petrone, 646-520-3504, [email protected]

Statement by National Institute for Reproductive Health President Andrea Miller

“This week, President Trump continues to quietly nominate anti-contraception, anti-science ‘leaders’ to his cabinet while breaking news dominates the headlines. On Tuesday, the Senate confirmed Dr. Scott Gottlieb to head the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In a previous senior post with the FDA under President George W. Bush, Dr. Gottlieb was a key player in the effort to block Plan B (emergency contraception) from being sold over the counter, despite clear advice from scientists that the pill is safe and effective. In addition to his history of putting politics over science, Dr. Gottlieb has close ties to many of the drug companies he will be charged with regulating in his new position, presenting a clear conflict of interest.

“President Trump’s latest dangerous appointment will not go unnoticed. The National Institute for Reproductive Health denounces this continued, unacceptable pattern of contempt for health, the law, and women’s rights.”

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The National Institute for Reproductive Health (NIRH) builds power at the state and local levels to change public policy, galvanize public support, and normalize women’s decisions about abortion and contraception.