EC news roundup

Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney vetoed a bill yesterday that would have expanded access to emergency contraception. Romney offered a predictably weak explanation for his veto, taking the opportunity to criticize Roe. He also said:
Because Massachusetts is decidedly prochoice, I have respected the state’s democratically held view. I have not attempted to impose my own views on the prochoice majority.
What?! Thanks for the acknowledgment that prochoicers are the majority, but I’d say vetoing this bill was a pretty strong imposition of your views, Mitt. (More at BushvChoice.)
Meanwhile, the FDA recently announced it would decide by Sept. 1 as to whether EC can be sold over-the-counter. Consequently, the Senate approved Lester Crawford to head the FDA. Senators Clinton (NY) and Murray (WA) had placed a hold on Crawford’s confirmation, in protest of the FDA’s failure to decide the EC issue. When the Sept. 1 deadline was announced, the Senators allowed Crawford’s approval as commissioner. Now we’ll keep our fingers crossed for a yes vote. The experts are with us on this one.
PLUS, federal lawmakers are holding hearings on pharmacists’ refusals to fill prescriptions for contraception. The hearings are in response to Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s requirement that all pharmacies fill birth control prescriptions. Federal legislation that mirrors the Illinois bill is pending in both the House and Senate.