FDA advisory panel nominee draws opposition

Democratic lawmakers, proponents of comprehensive sex education for youth, and abortion rights groups on Wednesday urged the Bush administration to back away from its plan to appoint David Hager, a conservative physician, to head the Food and Drug Administration's Advisory Committee for Reproductive Health Drugs, Reuters Health reports. Hager, an ob-gyn, opposes abortion rights, opposes contraceptives because he says they provide a "convenient way for young people to be sexually active outside marriage," and has written books on how prayer instead of medicine can cure disease. The FDA panel advises the agency on a number of family planning issues, including contraception. Opponents to Hager's appointment include the National Organization for Women and senators Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.). "By stacking these important committees with right-wing ideologues instead of respected scientists, the Administration puts the health and well-being of Americans at risk," Kennedy said.