17 Year-Olds to Get Over-the-Counter Access to Morning-After Pill; Record Number of Defaults in California
17 Year-Olds to Get Over-the-Counter Access to Morning-After Pill
The Food and Drug Administration says it will allow 17-year-olds to get the 'morning-after' birth control pill without a doctor's prescription. A U.S. District Judge ruled that Bush administration appointees let politics, not science, drive their decision to allow over-the-counter access only for women 18 and older. The judge ordered the FDA to let 17-year-olds get the medication. He also ordered the agency to evaluate whether all age restrictions should be lifted.
Record Number of Defaults in California
In the first quarter of 2009 a record number of California homeowners failed to make their loan payments- the first step toward foreclosure. While the number of foreclosures has been dropping, these defaults could signal another increase in foreclosures, especially since Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have announced that they will end their moratoriums and begin foreclosing on homes again. Analysts are also waiting to see the effect of President Obama's plan to help borrowers with refinanced mortgages and modified loans. David Lazarus gets the details on the housing situation.
Taliban Taking Hold of Pakistan
In an effort to stop rising violence from the Taliban, the democratic Pakistani government last week agreed to impose Islamic law in the Swat Valley. Opposition to the pact is growing among Pakistani politicians and media, and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called the move a "mortal threat" to the world. Meanwhile, the Taliban continues to drive deeper into Pakistan, spreading fear throughout the region. In Buner and other neighboring areas, militants patrol the streets, looting government and NGO offices, while many prominent politicians, bureaucrats and businessmen have fled. David Lazarus talks about the significance of Pakistan's recent actions.
Obama Meets with Credit Card Leaders
Today President Obama will meet with credit card executives to discuss changing their practices to help protect consumers. Both the House and Senate are considering a credit cardholders' "bill of rights" that would limit the ability of companies to raise interest rates on existing balances and require greater disclosure. Critics in the banking industry say that such a move would hurt the nation's push for economic recovery by restricting lenders and making credit less available. David Lazarus examines the issues on the table.
Huntington's First Science Writer in Residence
For 17 years Joe Palca has been the science correspondent for National Public Radio, reporting on topics from biomedical research to astronomy. He has just been named The Huntington Library's first Science Writer in Residence, and plans to spend part of his six months researching Charles Darwin and first editions of "The Origin of Species". Joe Palca joins guest host David Lazarus to talk about his work, his new position and a variety of science stories including science in the Obama Administration vs. the Bush Administration, science vs. religion, science funding, and stem cell research.