"If the FDA gives a green light for over-the-counter distribution, Planned Parenthood stands to take in a minimum $100 million profit over a five-year period from sales of the Plan B 'morning-after' pill," said Jim Sedlak, executive director of American Life League's STOPP International. "Such action from the FDA would allow Planned Parenthood to take maximum advantage of a sweetheart deal the organization arranged with Plan B's owner, Barr Pharmaceuticals, which will allow Planned Parenthood to buy the drug at below-market cost and undercut other pharmacies' retail prices."
According to Sedlak, the details of the business deal came out when internal Planned Parenthood e-mails were made public during a California court case. These documents show how Planned Parenthood worked out a deal with Barr Pharmaceuticals, Plan B's owner. Under a five-year agreement, Planned Parenthood would be able to buy Plan B from Barr at bargain-basement prices, undercut local pharmacies, and clear an average $20 profit on each Plan B kit.
"No matter how you look at it, Planned Parenthood stands to make a tremendous amount of money off of this pill, which can take the lives of innocent preborn children between fertilization and implantation," said Sedlak. "This organization shamelessly pushes this drug, ignoring its deadly properties, just to advance its agenda and fatten its coffers."
One of the released documents about the financial dealings was a 2004 e-mail message from the PPFA vice president of medical affairs, Vanessa Cullins, M.D., to all Planned Parenthood affiliate CEOs. In the e-mail, Cullins explained that Barr would offer Planned Parenthood special pricing of $4.25 for the drug for five years. STOPP's research shows that, on average, Planned Parenthood clinics nationwide charge $25 for the drug, while the average retail price at pharmacies is $32. Cullins told affiliates the agreement with Barr would help Planned Parenthood "develop and protect our market base."
"Planned Parenthood's money-making scheme shows us, once again, that this is not a benevolent healthcare organization that cares about women and children," said Sedlak. "Rather, this is simply a multi-million dollar business that profits from selling sex and killing preborn human beings."
Release issued: 26 Aug 05
