FDA Scientific Fairness for Women Act

HR 2503

Summary: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Scientific Fairness for Women Act will rescind the approval of silicone breast implants if the safety has not been conclusively demonstrated for the life of the implant; require the FDA to convene a workshop to review and evaluate current scientific data on the use of emergency contraception by young women under the age of 18; and elevate the Office of Women's Health within the FDA so that the office reports directly to the Commissioner.

What You Should Know: Ongoing concerns about the politicization of health and safety at the FDA -- particularly on women's health issues -- led to this legislation. The politics surrounding FDA decisions on application of Plan B emergency contraception and silicon breast implants have left many public health professionals concerned about what is driving health decisions at the agency. The FDA had also considered defunding the Office of Women's Health. In an effort to restore confidence this legislation provides "fixes" to some key problems.

Primary Sponsors: Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT).

Introduction date: 5/24/2007

Last Major Action: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.