Fireworks over New "Morning After Pill"?

(CBS)  A Food and Drug Administration advisory panel was slated to meet Thursday to discuss approval of an emergency contraceptive pill, dubbed "Ella," that's already sold in 22 European countries.

"Ella" is expected to prove highly controversial here.

It's designed to prevent pregnancy if taken up to five days after intercourse, two more than "Plan B."

Special Section: Dr. Jennifer Ashton
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On "The Early Show" Thursday, CBS News Medical Correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton observed that, "Obviously, there are heavy moral, ethical, social, even financial, political issues with this. We're going to stick to the medical ones, which really, for the most part -- most experts are saying the real big difference between Ella and Plan B is just the duration of time in which they can be used."

One thing raising eyebrows, co-anchor Harry Smith, is the chemical similarity between Ella and the so-called abortion pill, RU-486.

Plan B, Ashton explained, "is made of Levonorgestrel, which is a progesterone-like hormone compound. It can prevent pregnancy up to 72 hours after intercourse ... and it's about 85 percent effective. Ella, or the new one, works up to 120 hours, or five days. (It contains) Ulipristal Acetate, which works to moderate the progesterone effects on ovaries and possibly the uterus."

You don't need a prescription for Plan B in the U.S. If Ella is OK'd, it would only be available with a prescription.

As for Ella's side effects, Ashton says, the most common ones reported include nausea, headaches, abdominal or pelvic pain, menstrual-like pain, fatigue and dizziness -- you're always gonna see those things."

What will the panel and FDA be looking at in considering whether to approve Ella?

"Is it effective," Ashton responded, "does it work in the 120 hours, as it's said to? Is it safe? Obviously, always important. Do there need to be special recommendations for subpopulations, in terms of obese women, and will there be the potential for off-label use? They're going to have to address that."

FDA advisory committees don't have the final word on matters they take up. They're made up of outside experts who make recommendations to the agency, which makes the final decision -- though it usually heeds the advice of the panels.

[babooph]

Only fair she can take the pill-the man is allowed a valium when he sees what he awoke beside...

[freechoice4all]

If Sara Palin is elected President these drugs will be illegal and women will not be given the right to choose or decide for themselves; all abortions and preventive medicines will no longer be available (even if you were raped or molested).

the right wing is no different from the extremist muslim's, except they worhip different prophet's (Jesus or Muhammed). In the end they both want to enforce their religious views on the entire population.

[retiredgustav]

Don't worry, the republicans have been saying hey are against abortions but from 2000 to 2006 when they had the votes to stop it, they never did. They really don't want to because then they will loose too many of their religios supporter.

[freechoice4all]

keep religion out of it, allow or disallow this pill based on medical facts and not political or religious reasoning!

you right wing nut cases have no right to FORCE your religious views on me or the other 300 million Americans, let them/us choose to use or not.

[ccdsswrkr08]

If we let pro life go this far and not allow this alternative to be given out, get ready men to start having to account for every sperm that comes out, even when it's not related to sex, cause if they're not used to make a baby it'll be murder.

[margroks]

It should be up to the individual to chosse but it's hardly an accurate picture to paint women wanting to use abortion as common birth control. That just isn't the way it goes. I'd say any kind of morning after pill should be used with caution and oversight to make sure there is no uncontrolled bleeding, that minors should have to notify their legally responsible parents before having an abortion in most cases and that otherwise, no one should butt in.

[Zann-Zel]

I don't agree with abortion personally. But its funny that "the right" is against abortion, Save the Babies! But their leader Rush thinks children with no lunch money should just "go dumpster diving"

So how long after they're born do they care about them? What one minute? Two?

[afmcalax]

Again Europe is leading the way. They focus on the medical benefits and then leave it up to the individual to determine whether this medication is something they want to use. If it is safe and effective, the bible thumpers have no right to keep it from the market. If they do not want to use it; then don't. That is what CHOICE is all about.

I wish some good lawyer would sue one of these male dominated states that pass their pro-fetus legislation denying women their basic reproductive rights. I would ask for child support from the state to raise the child they forced the woman to give birth to. This would not be the underfunded amount now given. This would be a good home in a good neighborhood, good food, good schooling, good medical care ... everything a white, middle class child expects. If the state is going to become part of the birth decision; then the state becomes financially liable for child support.

[azfalcon]

The good lawyers know better, but maybe you could find a camera loving shyster somewhere that would help you take on your cause.

[tsigili]

While there needs to be sufficient studies to show the safety of the pill, the issue of abortion, is simply ridiculous, and is nothing but the maniacs of the religious right, trying to force their views onto others.

Religion is going to destroy this planet.

[edixope4842]

Hi "tsig"

Still doing the "religion is poison" gig? It has got to be a byotch having that lifestyle monkey on your back. And yes cupcake, anybody that frequents CBS blog recognizes your style. It's great that you're not using all caps now.