So that’s how things get done when Bush isn’t around: A federal judge ordered the FDA to make Plan B available without prescription to women 17 years and older.

Along that vein, the judge also ruled that the FDA had incorrectly allowed the Bush administration to pressure the organization into setting the age limit at 18. (And that’s probably only because Bush couldn’t think of a way to nix the drug altogether.)

These findings led the judge to openly criticize the FDA:

Citing depositions, Judge Korman wrote that agency officials had improperly communicated with White House officials about Plan B. And, he said, F.D.A. employees sought to influence decisions by appointing people with anti-abortion views to an independent panel of experts reviewing Plan B for the agency.

The agency also departed from its normal procedures, the judge wrote, by ignoring favorable conclusions about the drug by an advisory panel as well its own scientists and officials who found that the drug could be safely used by women at least as young as 17.

Such “political considerations, delays and implausible justifications” showed that the F.D.A. had acted without good faith or reasoned decision making, Judge Korman wrote.

I’d add my own snarky commentary, but I’m pretty Kormon said it best. Plus, I’m too busy gloating.

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