Rants and Raves of a Passionate bear

FDA fundamentalism drives out scientist committed to women's health

From: Wood, Susan F
Sent: Wednesday, August 31, 2005 11:23 AMT
Subject: Notice of Resignation

Dear Friends and Colleagues,
I regret to tell you that I am leaving the FDA, and will no longer beserving as the Assistant Commissioner for Women's Health and Director ofthe FDA Office of Women's Health. The recent decision announced by theCommissioner about emergency contraception, which continues to limitwomen's access to a product that would reduce unintended pregnancies andreduce abortions is contrary to my core commitment to improving andadvancing women's health. I have spent the last 15 years working toensure that science informs good health policy decisions. I can nolonger serve as staff when scientific and clinical evidence, fullyevaluated and recommended for approval by the professional staff here,has been overuled. I therefore have submitted my resignation effectivetoday.I will greatly miss working with such an outstanding group ofscientists, clinicians and support staff. FDA's staff is of the highestcaliber and it has been a priviledge to work with you all. I hope tohave future opportunities to work with you in a different capacity.

Sincerely,SusanSusan F. Wood, PhD
Assistant Commissioner for Women's Health
Director, Office of Women's HealthFood and Drug Administration

posted by RedHotMuslBear @ 10:54 AM